Author: State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania

Title: Report of the State Horticultural Association of
Pennsylvania for 1905

Place of Publication: [Harrisburg, Pa.]

Copyright Date: 1905

Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg228.3

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110 2 State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania.
245 10 Report of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania for ...
260 [Harrisburg, Pa.] $bWm. Stanley Ray, State printer of Pennsylvania,
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785 00 State Horticultural Association of Pennsylvania. $tProceedings of the

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REPORT

or THE

State Horticultural Association

OF

PENNSYLVANIA

FOR 1905

WM. STANLEY RAY,

STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

1905.

URE

REPORT

OF THE

1

I

State Horticultural Association

I

OF

f

PENNSYLVANIA

1

I

I

i

I

FOR 1905

WM. STANLEY RAY,

STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

1905.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE STATE HORTICUL-
TURAL ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Article I. This society shall be entitled "The State Horticultural
Association of Pennsylvania," and its object shall be the advance-
ment of the science of horticulture and pomology.

Article 2. Any person may become a member of this society by a
vote of a majority of the members present at any meeting, and by
paying into the treasury the sum of one dollar annually ; or the pay-
ment of one dollar to the treasurer, at any time, shall constitute
membership, and entitle said member to a copy of the proceedings,
The payment of ten dollars at one time will constitute life member-
ship.

Article 3. Its officers shall consist of a president, three vice presi-
dents, recording and corresponding secretary and a treasurer, all of
whom shall be elected annually by ballot.

Article 4. The following committees shall be appointed: A commit-
teeof five on nomenclature ; a committee of three on insects, of whom
the professor of entomology shall be chairman; an executive commit-
tee consisting of the elective officers of this association and three of
whom, including the president, shall constitute a quorum ; and a gen-
eral fruit committee, consisting of one from each county repre-
sented, with a general chairman of the whole, each member of the
fruit committee to have the privilege of appointing two assistants.

Article 5. The society may, at any time, elect honorary members.

Article 6. The society may, from time to time, appoint professors
on entomology, botany, horticultural chemistry and geology.

Article 7. This constitution may be altered or amended by a vote
of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting, notice
of the proposed amendment, in writing, having been previously

given.

Article 8. Seven members shall constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of business.

(»)

BYLAWS.

Article 1. The committee on nomenclature shall collate and decide
the standard and synonymous names of all fruit known in the soci-
ety with the authorities for each, and report, so far as practicable,
at each regular meeting, and record the same in a book kept for that

purpose.

Article 2. The general fruit committee shall carefully and thor-
oughly investigate the subject of fruit culture in general. Each
local committee of three shall collect such useful and interesting in-
formation in relation to the subject as may be in their power, and

(3)

embody the same in monthly reports, to be made to the general
chairman; such reports to be by him examined and embodied in his
annual and semi-annual reports. Also that the said county com-
mittee shall form ad interim committees for their respective coun-
ties, and futher that said ad interim committees are hereby author-
ized to publish the reports in the "Gardener's Monthly," or such
other paper, as they may select, the same having been first submitted
to the chairman of the general fruit committee for his approval:
Provided, That said publication shall be free of expense to the asso-
ciation.

Article 3. The annual meeting of the association shall be held on
Tuesday before the third Wednesday of January of each year, at
such a place as the executive committee may appoint, at which time
the election for officers shall take place; said officers to serve from
the close of the meeting at which they are elected to the close of the
succeeding annual meeting, at which an exhibition and discussion of
fruits shall take place and other business transacted in the follow-
ing order:

1st. Reading of minutes of previous meeting.

2d. Roll call and dues collected.

3d. Election of officers.

4th. Reports of officers.

5th. Reports of standing committees.

6th Reports of si>ecial committees.

7th Unfinished business of former meeting.

8th. New business.

The nomination and election of new members shall be in order at
any time during the session.

Article 4. Other meetings may be convej^ed by the executive com-
mittee at such time and place as they may appoint.

Article 5. No member who is in arrears for dues shall be eligible
for any office, or serve on any standing committee; and any member
who shall neglect to pay his dues shall cease to enjoy the privileges
of membership.

t

STATE HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF

PENNSYLVANIA.

OFFICERS FOR 1905.

PRESIDENT.
Gabriel Hiester Harrisburg.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

Hon. W. T. Creasy S^*^^^''^^^V,,

Thos. B. Meehan Germanto%Mi.

Dr. J. H. Funk Boyertown.

RECORDING SECRETARY.

Enos B. Engle ...Waynesboro.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

Wm. P. Brinton Christiana.

TREASURER.
Edwin W. Thomas. King of Prussia.

MEMBERSHIP.

LIFE MEMBERS.

Bartram, J. Hibberd, Milltown, Chester Co.

Boyer, John F., Mt. Pleasant Mills, Snyder Co.

Brinton, Wm. P., Christiana, Lancaster Co.

Chase. Howard A., Perry Building. 16th and Chestnut Sts. Philadelphia.

Chase. Charles T.. Perry Building. 16th and Chestnut Sts., Philadelphia.

Calder, Dr. James. Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. (deceased).

Cornelius, Robert, Philadelphia (deceased).

Creasy Hon. W. T., Catawissa, Columbia Co.

Engle. Henry M., Marietta, Lancaster Co. (deceased).

Engle. John G.. Marietta, Lancaster Co.

Engle. Enos B.. Waynesboro, Franklin Co.

Ermentrout, Hon. Jas. N.. Reading, Berks Co.

Fox, Cyrus T., Reading, Berks Co.

Garrettson, Joel V.. Floradale, Adams Co.

Good, C. W., Waynesboro, Franklin Co.

Hacker. William, Philadelphia (deceased).

Hartman. D. L.. Etters.

Hayes, Charles P., Philadelphia. , ,. ^ _ ,.

Heyser, Jacob, Chambersburg, Franklin Co. (deceased).

Hildrup. W. T., Raleigh, N. C. ^ ,,

Hiller, Casper, Conestoga, Lancaster Co. (deceased).

Hiller Peter C, Conestoga, Lancaster Co. (deceased).

Hoopes, Josiah, West Chester, Chester Co. (deceased).

Huff, L. B., Greensburg.

Huff, Burrell R., Greensburg.

6

Landis, Israel, Lancaster, Lancaster Co.

McCormiek, Harry, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co. (deceased).

McCormick, James, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co.

Martin, J. O., Mercersburg, Franklin Co.

Meehan, S. Mendelson, Germantown, Philadelphia Co.

Pannebaker, Wm. M., Virgillna, Va.

Reist, Peter S., Lititz, Lancaster Co. (deceased).

Relst, John G., Mt. Joy, Lancaster Co.

Scribner, Prof. F. Lamson, Knoxville, Tenn.

ShafCner, Jacob, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co.

Swift, Rev. E. P., Mt. Oliver, Allegheny Co. (deceased).

Thomas, George B., West Chester, Chester Co.

Thomas, Edwin W., King-of-Prussia, Montgomery Co.

Van Deman. H. E., 3630 13th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.

Wertz, D. Maurice, Quincy, Franklin Co.

HONORARY MEMBERS.

Barry, P., Rochester, N. Y.

Downing, Charles, Newburgh, N. Y. (deceased).

Ellwanger, George, Rochester, N. Y.

Edge, Thomas J., Harrisburg, Pa.

Garber, J. B., Columbia, Pa. (deceased).

Heiges, Prof. S. B., Saxe, Va.

Meehan, Thomas, Germantown, Pa. (deceased).

Michener, Dr. E., Toughkenamon, Pa. (deceased).

Parsons, Prof. S. B., Flushing, N. Y.

Parry, William, Parry, N. J. (deceased).

Rathvon, Prof. S. S., Lancaster, Pa. (deceased).

Rowe, Hon. D. Watson, Chambersburg, Pa.

Rutter, John, West Chester, Pa. (deceased).

Saunders, Wm., Washington, D. C. (deceased).

Stitzel, George D., Reading, Pa.

Thomas, John J., Union Springs, N. Y. (deceased).

Warder, Dr. John A., North Bend, O. (deceased).

Wilder, Marshall P., Boston, Mass. (deceased).

Wickersham, Dr. J. P., Lancaster, Pa. (deceased),

Willetts, Rev. Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. (deceased).

ANNUAL MEMBERS.

Allison, J. W., Mercer.

Armsby, Dr. H. P., State College.

Barnard, C. P., Northbrook.

Baxter, C. W., Haddonfleld, N. J.

Bishop, W. O., 1302 William St., Har-
risburg.

Bolton, W. P., Bonview.

Boyer, F. D., New Cumberland.

Bridges, George, Carlisle.

Bracken, J. W., Hollidaysburg.

Breisch, D. D., Ringtown.

Breisch, Robt., Ringtown.

Bucher, Dr. L Riley, Lebanon.

Butler, Allen, Ogontz.

Butz, Prof. Geo. C, State College.

Christman, James M., Fort Hunter.

Cooper, Calvin, Bird in Hand.

Cotter, Lawrence, Danville.

Coursen, I. H., Carverton.

Critchfleld, Hon. N. B., Harrisburg,

Denlinger, Amos B., Iva.

Demming, H. C, Harrisburg.

Eastabrook, F. L., Athens.

Eby, Amos F., Mount Joy.

Engle, Ezra B., Marietta.

Erb, Amos H., Lititz.

Eslinger, Samuel L., Good Hope.

Frankenfleld, Miss W. S., 223 S 7th
St., Easton.

Foster, T. C, Harrisburg.

Funk, Dr. J. H., Boyertown.

Gilbert, David, Sr.. Coatesville.

Good, Martin R., Narvon.

Grayblll, Hon. D. W., East Petersburg.

Groff, Dr. Geo. G., Lewisburg.

Haines, Mary M., Cheltenham.

Harnish, H. H., Hubers.

Harper, Wm. Warner, Chestnut HilL

Harris, Phillip, Light Street.

Herr, Daniel D., Lancaster.

Herr, David S., Mountville.

Hess, Enos H., Lancaster.

Hiester, Gabriel, Harrisburg.

Huston. Chas. L., Coatesville.

Johnson, W. B. K., Allentown.

Hill, Dr. S. S., Minersville.

Jones, S. Morris, West Grove.

Keath, Dr. J. W., Shaefferstown.

Keller, Walter J., Pottsville.

Kloss, D. S., Tyrone.

Koons, Dr. P. R., Mechanicsburg.

Kready, John, Mount Joy.

Kraybill, S. S., Mount Joy.

Krewson & Son, Jas., Cheltenham.

Laub, H. H., Jr.. Lewistown.

Leyder, J. S., 319 Peffer St., Harris-
burg.

Longsdorf, C. L., Floradale.

Loop. A. L, North East.

McGowan. H. G., Geiger's Mills.

McLanahan, J. King, Hollidaysburg.

McSparran, W. F., Furniss.

Marshall, Mrs. J. L., 239 4th Ave.
Pittsburg.

Mayer. H. M., Rohrerstown.

Mayer. Dr. I. H., Willow Street.

Meehan. Thos. B., Germantown.

Miller, John D., Newton Hamilton.

Maffat, Miss M. A., 264 S. Franklin

street, Wilkes-Barre.
Moon, Wm. H., Morrisville.
Mosser, H., Myerstown.
Newcomer, W. S., Glenrock.
Nissley, P. R., Mount Joy.
Patterson, Jas. G., Stewartstown.
Peters, Earl, Mt. Holly Springs.
Persing, E. E., Sunbury.
Purvis, Timothy, Hunsecker.
Pyle, J. W., Kennett Square.
Rakestraw, Thomas, Kennett Square.
Reichert, J. H. Host.
Richards, A. C, New Paris.
Rife, Jacob L., West Fairview.
Root, A? W., Manheim.
Root, J. W., Manheim.
Rupp, D. C, Shiremanstown.
Rush, John G., West Willow.
Schaeffer, Dr. N. C, Lancaster.
Schock, Oliver D., Hamburg.
Scholl, Calvin P., Fisherville.

Sharpless, John D., London Grove.
Shepherd, J. W., Scranton.
Sierer, Dr. A. L., Harrisburg.
Suavely, H. C, Lebanon.
Suavely, H. H., Lancaster.
Suavely, J. R., Harrisburg.
Stein, Geo. E., East Prospect.
Stoney, R. J.. Jr., 424 5th Ave., Pitts-
burg.
Stout, W. H., Pinegrove.
Stover, F. S., Bowmansville.
Surface, Prof. H. A., Harrisburg.
Sweatnam, Mrs. Jennie W., Mast Hope.
Traver, F. E., Wyebrook.
Wagner, Geo. A., Alinda.
Watts, Prof. R. L., Scalp Level.
Weast, Geo. B., Harrisburg.
Welse, H. B., Parkesburg.
Wilbur, Harry, Bethlehem.
Williamson, E. C, Morrisville.
Yeager, A. H., Lancaster.
Zigler, Amos, Rowenna.

REPORT

OF THE

FORTY-SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING

or THE

STATE HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION

or

PENNSYLVANIA

Held at Harrisbnrg, Pa., January 17-18, 1905

The attendance thronjrhont was j^ood and much interest mani-
fested in the papers and diseussions. There was a hirjije display of
apples, although some of the specimens were inferior in quality and
appearance.

The following new members were enrolled during the sessions and
since last annual meeting: »

■

LIFE MEMBERS.

D. L. Hartman, Etters.
Huff, L. B., Greensburg.
Huff, Burrell R., Greensburg.

ANNUAL MEMBERS.

I. H. Coursen, Carverton.

Mrs. Jennie W. Sweatman, Mast Hope.

John D. Miller, Newton Hamilton.

H. B. Weise, Parkesburg.

W. O. Bishop, Harrisburg.

J H. Reichert, Host.

Mrs. M. A. Moffat, Wilkes-Barre.

Dr. S. S. Hill, Wernersville.

Lawrence Cotter, Danville.

R. J, Stoney, Jr., Pittsburg.

Harry Wilbur, Bethlehem.

Chas. L. Huston, Coatesville.

David Gilbert, Sr., Coatesville.

F L. Eastabrook, Athens.

Mrs. W. S. Frankenfleld, Easton.

(

Walter J. Keller, Pottsville.
Dr. A. L. Sieler, Harrisburg.
Jas. G. Patterson, Stewartstown.
Dr. J. W. Keath, Shaefferstown.
C. W. Baxter, Haddonfield, N. J.
F. D, Boyer, New Cumberland.
H. Mosser, Myerstown.
Dr. Geo. G. Groflf, Lewisburg.
J. S. Leyder, Harrisburg,
John D. Sharpless, Londongrove.
J. W. Shepherd, Scranton.
H. H. Laub, Jr., Lewistown.
Jas. M. Christman, Fort Hunter.
George Bridges, Carlisle.
Geo. B. Weast, Harrisburg.

8)

The meeting was called to order at the appointed time by the
President, and aft^-r reading and approval of minutes of previous
meeting, and the usual recess of five minutes for payment of dues,
the credentials of A. N. Brown, Wyoming, Del., as a delegate from
the Peninsula Horticultural Society of Delaware, and E. S. Black,
Hightstown, and \Vm. H. Reid, Tennent, N. J., as delegates from the
New Jersey State Horticultural Society, were presented and ac-
cepted, and they were accorded the privileges of the floor.

The following committees were announced by the chair:

Nominations.— Calvin Cooper, Prof. Geo. C. Butz, John G. Engle.

Auditing Committee.— D. M. Wertz, D. D. Herr, Jacob L. Rife.

Nomenclature and Exhibits.— J. Hibberd Bartram, J. W. Pyle,
John G. Reist.

REPORT OF GENERAL FRUIT COMMITTE FOR 1904.

A careful study of the reports of correspondents reveals the fact
that nearly every line of horticulture is making decided- advance-
ment in this great State. Much encouragement is to be found in
the 1904 reports. Verv few write in a pessimistic tone, although all
have had ditticulties to*^ overcome. But the obstacles which at times
seem to be almosi unsurmountable are no greater than the bar-
riers encountered in sister states. We believe Pennsylvania gard-
eners and fruit growers have as much grit, wisdom and determina-
tion as horticulturists in neighboring states, and the battles to be
fought here are no greater— Victory requiring hard fighting any-
where and everywhere.

We repeat that there is much encouragement in the 1904 reports.
They indicate progress. Disputed questions are being settled slowly
but surelv. Information is more positive and more definite. W e
know better what to plant, how to plant, and how to care for our
plantations.

APPLES.

The 1004 apple crop in Pennsylvania was much larger than last
year, and i)robablv above the average. Only seven correspondents
report a light viel'd; eleven a medium crop; twenty a good crop, and
quite a numb<^V in reporting the yield used such terms as ^^enorm-
ous," "the largest," "very large," and "extremely large." The
flualitv in most counties has been good or excellent, some reporting
the best The main complaint has been small sized fruit on account
of overbearing, and protracted drouth in some sections. Twe^nly-
five corres])ondents state that their apples are keeping well. About
half this number report that their fruit is keeping fairly well and
a few express disappointment as to keeping qualities.

The answers to the question ''Which are the three most profitable
apples in your county," are exceedingly interesting. Of the fifty-
five growers who answer this question, thirty-five give the Bald-
win first place. The vote in favor of this popular old vanety is
practically unanimous in Baldwin counties-that is where climatic
condition^ are favorable to this variety. \ork Imperml is forced

10

to second place. The eighteen votes in its favor come almost en-
tirely from southeastern counties. Although Baldwin takes first
place as a money maker, there are few large commercial orchards
of this variety, but the number of such plantations is increasing.
It is doubtful whether any of our Baldwin growers can show up
profits equal to those of the York Imperial enthusiasts. But a
vigorous note of warning runs throughout the 1904 reports regard-
ing the most profitable varieties of apples. The once popular com-
mercial apple, Ben Davis, is voted down so far as cultivation in
Pennsylvania is concerned. Only five report it among the three
most profitable. On the other hand, apples of good quality are
making rapid strides to the front. Smokehouse for instance, re-
ceives a slightly larger vote than Ben Davis. People are begin-
ning to buy apples for their quality and not merely for their looks.
This general trend should be kept in mind by growers starting new
orchards. We should plant trees which will produce quality as
well as quantity. It is probably a mistake to plant York Imperial
where the Baldwin thrives. And in counties where the Baldwin
fails as a commercial apple and where the York Imperial takes flfst
place, it is hoped that some variety will yet be found which possesses
all the good points of York Imperial and which far surpasses it in
quality. We call particular attention to the varieties grown by Dr.
J. H. Funk, of Berks county, who at a former meeting of this so-
ciety discussed their merits and who writes most favorably con-
cerning their behavior the past season. A small test orchard
should form a valuable adjunct to every large commercial orchard.
If there is anything better than York Imperial which will make as
much money per acre, by all means lets have it.

Northern Spy is voted third place in the list for profit. Varieties
mentioned three or more times besides the ones already named, are
Rhode Island Greening, Rome Beauty, Smith's Cider, Grimes Gol-
den, King and Summer Rambo.

The matter of storage houses is receiving increased attention.
Fruit growers realize as never before the necessity of proper stor-
age facilities. The bulk of the winter apple crop is sold too soon
in the fall or early winter to secure the largest profit and the effect
of this rush for the market is disastrous to prices. Low prices are
inevitable. A more even distribution of the crop during the entire
period of consumption would have a most desirable effect in raising
prices. But not one grower in ten is prepared to store apples under
the proper conditions. Cellars are generally used and very few are
at all suitable to keep apples for any considerable period. Un-
doubtedly the best houses are those in which the temperature is
controlled by the use of ice. But this kind of storage is financially-
impossible with the majority of farmers and even orchardists. The
great need on hundreds of farms is a cheap, well and properly bijilt
fruit house which will enable the grower to hold his fruit in perfect
condition until March, April or May. The chairman of this commit-
tee expresses the hope that this matter will receive special atten-
tioA *t our next annual meeting in the way of places and recommen-
dations for such houses as are practicable and within the means of
the average grower or farmer to erect. Expensive ice storage
frightens the small grower out of the notion of any kind of storage
except cellars.

r

^JJ

^ »

i'

Favorable seasonal and climatic conditions have much to do with
success or failure in Pennsylvania, but they are not the most potent
factors. Careful attention all along the line usually brings success.
On the other hand the grower who neglects tillage, feedmg, prunmg
and spraying cannot look for entire or even fair success. Orchard-
intr to-day requires wisdom, industry and persistency.

As to controlling the apple tree borer, the use of the wire and
knife are almost universally recommended. Protection by paper
or a fine mesh wire screening is practiced by a few. Dr. Funk states
that he has not been troubled by borers since he began the use of
lime, salt and sulphur. Prof. Geo. C. Butz recommends the use
of Thum's sticky preparation. Another grower uses white lead and
linseed oil. The protection of birds is recommended by another.

Regarding the extent of apple tree planting, fifteen report a de-
crease, six no material change and twenty-seven an increase. The
new plantations are set mostly by commercial orchardists rather
than by farmers.

PIBARS.

Concerning the 1904 yield of pears, two correspondents report a
total failure; thirteen a light crop; six a good crop and a few state
it was large, very large or immense, twenty-eight correspondents re-
port good qualitv, seven medium and six poor.

The vote on tli^ most profitable varieties stood as follows: Bart-
lett thirty-four; Kieffer seventeen; Seckle sixteen; Clapp's Favorite
ten- Duchesse D'Angouleme seven; Sheldon four. In answer to
the question -Have you found pears as profitable as apples," twenty-
five replied no; twelve yes, and four that they had found pears more

''jS'ftr?t opinion held by our correspondents the much
feaied^ and dreaded pear blight is as prevalent as ever. Twenty
correspondents report that the disease is on the decrease while the
s^me dumber say it is on the increase. It is evidently the worst
on low ground and in very rich soils. To avoid or partially avoid
bUght there seems to be 'a consensus of opinion that a moderate
hardy growth should be encouraged rather than excessive wood
Growth A rapid brashy growth is most susceptible to blight. This
K the case, 1 igli f^^eding and thorough tillage in fertile soils
endanceis the lives of the trees. Mineral fertilizers may be used
l^t^rany while nitrogenous compounds, including stable manure
must be used cautiously in pear orchards.

PEACHES.

The majority of Pennsylvania peach growers are discouraged. A
series ^f crop failures or partial successes has caused many to con-
demn ?he business. The 1904 crop in most orchards was a total
faiTure or cntTrelv too light to make a profit or even pay expenses
Encouraging repirt come from favored districts, although only
fivprn-owers report a large crop and a few more refer to the yield as
eood or medium The extremely severe weather of last winter is
arthe root of the trouble in many sections where the trees were
severely injured or even killed to the ground. Fruit buds were
winter killed in hundreds of orchards.

12

The reports on "Yellows" are discouraging. Five report a de-
crease in the prevalence of the disease while nineteen state that the
disease is increasing.

The opinions expressed as to the most profitable varieties of
peaches are overwhelmingly in favor of Crawford's Late, mentioned
nineteen times and Elberta eigU|een. Smock is mentioned by nine
correspondents. Champion, Old Mixin, Mountain Rose and Stomp
are favorites.

The replies to the question "D o you conconsider a peach orchard
a profitable investment?" are very interesting. Seventeen report
the business profitable. The large vote is really surprising, con-
sidering the unfavorable seasonal conditions in many sections of
the State during the past few jears. Not a few of the affirmative
replies, however, are accompanied by '"ifs," as if the yellows does
not kill the trees; if the trees are not winter killed; if the buds are
not destroyed by cold weather or frost. These "ifs" are not con-
trollable. Eighteen correspondents say "no" as to the profits, and
a York county grower emphasizes his views by replying "no, no, no."
Dr. J. H. Funk is the most enthusiastic so far as profits are con-
cerned, stating that the business is "extremely profitable."

PLUMS.

The 1904 plum crop was a signal success. Quite a number of
growers report the crop as enormous, immense and the largest ever
known. Ten growers report a very heavy yield; eleven a good crop;
only eight a light crop and no total failures are mentioned. The
1904 conditions were generally most favorable. The severe winter
weather interfered in a very few places and some complained of
much fruit being destroyed by rot.

In the plum orchard as well as on the battle field the "Japs" are
winning. The Japanese varieties easily take first place for profit.
Twenty-four growers report them the most profitable; seven favor
the Domestic or European and five the American class. Abundance
leads in popularity, receiving ten votes; Burbank eight; Red June
six and Wickson two. No other variety of any class is mentioned
more than once.

QUINCES.

There are thirty negative replies to the question "Are quinces
grown in your county with success?" and about half this number of
affirmative answers. Blight and borers are the most potent causes
of failure. There are very few trees planted for commercial pur-
poses. The demand for the fruit is also greatly limited.

CHERRIES.

The 1904 cherry crop was above the average. A dozen corres-
pondents reported a heavy or very heavy yield, thirty a good yield
and only a few reported light crops. Early Richmond leads as the
most profitable variety, receiving eighteen votes. Gov. Wood comes
in next with ten votes. English Morello six; Black Tartarian six;
Large Montmorency five; Dyehouse four; Napoleon four; Yellow
Spanish two; May Duke two; Conestoga two; Montmorency Or-
dinaire two.

I

GRAPES.

m,. icwu irvioe crop was quite satisfactory" in most counties.

r» Sit" sr;y V=rtr,=irtc^^^

light. CoutoiQ IS 111 L"^ ^'^^ . K,/fr»i.fv tlirpo correspondents,

tit., three '»««* pvofitab e vam. .es by ^o.ty b e I^^^^.^^^^.

Niagara comes m second «'Vu p. rU four 1 iKUton four; Moore's
Moore's Early five; Campbells E'^b '^" - »3'",j,, 'yi^g of
l.iamond two; Isabella two and^eU^ai^^^^^^^^^^

^ "^^^^a ^piSln^trbo i e^^sslt^aid It^s entirely emcieut
when properly done. ^^^^^ ^^^^^^

AS to wbicb are tbe more V-"/"';'^;; -td^uul'twel^^tS
tweutyone growrs >'^^1'«'; .'" "7, ,° ^, Vwo Isses are equally
of black. Four eorrespondiMits *' ' *"; J'^" ^j.^. ,u.„.Uet, but
,,.o,Uable. The «^ berru-s br n, a «^ I ,u - s.ou _^^^^^^ .^ ,^ .^
they are more ditiicuu to u.inun m ,."""

creasing demand for •'^♦1 '"f l'*'^'^;'.;','*: , ,,.. ,i,ii.tv-one growers, while
BlacTvberri.s are r.'garded prolitable by {.^ ""^ " „„„j,,'j ^-itu
eleven give "'■^-'t've r..pUes. Smne s 11 m. k ts^ ^^ .^^

wild blackberries at prices that lanuot m . f-

'''■?^:;f cl^tta'tiou of all classes of sn,all fruits is on the increase in
most counties. vegetables.

Fo,tv.two correspondents report that ^^^^^^ ^r'^^.
ble in their localities while s.x «'-';;;«; \^, ;:'.::, .^^he failures
tion. The lack of good marke s '''.S^^rt I .'nVost encouraging to our
reported. Tlu- favorabl.. repbes _^ « f ! (^^^'^..y^;! ,. fn the busi-

Matchless is aiso a favorite.

ORNAMENTALS.

1 ,.f« «.iv nicre is an increase in the use of
Thirtyone '"^-j;;; f; , j^JS't^, .' ., ,rt no increase. The mem-
plants, trees and « ''"^'^•'" ' ,, , x.'rt <'Verv imssil)le iullueu.e to
Us of this ..rgan./.at.on *•' ' " , ' ^' , n /..f' ,, ,u«e grounds, school
..r.-ate greater I'' :;'7;,,;,'.\ . ! .,'" . J .';'t'-..:.:ts and connnons. Such

NATURE STUDY.

14

believe this to be the case, while fourteen say they have not observed
any increase. The report, however, is exceedingly encouraging.
Nature study in our public schools is not compulsory as in some
other states. The teaching of the subject is purely optional in
Pennsylvania. We believe our State Horticultural Association and
all kindred organizations should work unitedly for the addition of
nature study to the curriculum of our public schools. An immense
amount of good is being done in New York State by the teaching
of nature study, and we would see the same desirable results in
Pennsylvania. The farm would be better liked by our boys and
the business of farming would be more popular. The power of ob-
servation would be developed and pcu'haps the next generation of
fruit growers would detect the presence and destructiveness of in-
sect and disease pests before they have worked such great devasta-
tion as has been the case with the San Jos6 Scale. Nature study
in our schools would impart a vast amount of useful knowledge to
the students. It would create an intense love for the beautiful and
interesting things of nature which is woefully wanting in the aver-
age country boy or girl and without this love for nature we cannot
look for happy, contented farmers in the future.

SPRAYING.

Spraying is limited mostly to rather extensive commercial planta-
tions. The results where the work is done with care and skill, are
very satisfactory. The practice of sju-aying is growing slowly but
surely.

THE SAN JOSE SCALE.

The San Josd Scale is the Goliath of the Pennsylvania fruit
grower. Although unlike Goliath in stature he is well armored
and fully as powerful in his particular work of destruction, and it
takes a real David to meet him successfully on the battle field.
Many a fruit grower has not had the nerve to tackle the San Josd
Goliath. They have stood off afar and this giant has had his own
way in slaying trees by the thousands. Others have mustered to-
gether enough courage to go out and meet him, but failed to slay
the monster because not trained from their youth up. But the
Davids, thoughtful, trained, brave, confident, have gone forth with
slings loaded with lime, salt and sulphur, and by waging an un-
flinching warfare the enemy has been slain.

The San Jos^ Scale is evidently present in greater or less num-
ber in probably every county of the State, although a few corres-
pondents say they do not know it to be present. Four-fifths of the
correspondents claim that it is multiplying and spreading rapidly,
the other fifth holding the opposite view or that it is actually de-
creasing. The damage is variable. The insect has not made ma-
terial headway in some orchards and no real damage has been done.
We thing it safe to say that the damages have not yet proved seri-
ous in more than half the counties. But the reports from many
counties, particularly in the southeastern part of the State, indicate
heavy damages. Losses and damage are expressed as follows:

"Some trees killed," "many orchards ruined," "thousands of trees
killed," "a serious matter," "much damage done," "thousands of
dollars lost," etc.

AH

15

In many instances nothing is ^eing done to^^^^^^^
This is almost uniformly the c^se ^^^^y^"^^ ,t nof im-
the orchard a side issue. It ^^^ ,^^^f^^"^o s^^^^^ their large, poorly
possible to get the mass of our ^^^'^^^L^^^j^f/^J^^^^^^ to spray their

Various properties are used in preparmg this nuxtuie.

FERTILIZERS.

commercial fertilizers «- generally and -te^^r«i-b--d ^.y gard-
eners and fruit growers. F";t»i7 >m^*'d goo^^^^^^ ^^

monly employed. There is a growing t^>^,dc»^.^ ^^^^^^^^

pare the goods at home "'f » «".*V\,'': .° ^""t a saving of sev-
floor. The advantages of >'"""^^ ," f, "t,, t' \,, , ,vant in the form
'^ rr- S fh^ Wrnlaf he mix::d't suit the erop for whieh
it is to be applied. tillage.

Tillage is a "--1*^ ^^^^ -^ r po^tU^ ^'^^^^

they please. The same results aic o m ay u 1 . ^j^^ „( these
methods of tillage and "'"'^i,; .,^^,,f , Z tvees iH.gin bear-
operations. Some '^^""*'",";- ^^^'' ,,!''[' .'ir^;'" (,th..rs keep the bear-
ing, «•>«•"'« S«^-^"-;':°f;^...ful at ention to other matters sue-
ing orchard in sod and l>y i-"'"" •'" . \\„^. ,, avstem of muleh-
cetd in producing exce lent ;;™» ^J,";"' „ ." ua„tity and quality of
ing the efficiency of which d^P^'nds on tn. i . ^^^_ j^^.^j

h!> mulch, conditions are so Vj^ > e at Uk ^^ ^^

require ditf event methods.

UOTKS I'KOM (OUKliESrONnKNTS.

AUSTIN

WUIGHT, ALUM BANK, BEDFORD CO.

The planting of new <^^^^^'^>^ ^: ^i;:;rl^ ^^ X^^^'^^

crease for the past ten yearn ^^^„ ,„,,,. i« very littl.. at-

can be conveniently marU<'ted in "''» « .o^.„ „„iy to sup-

ention given to ai.v otlu'r ^^r^ '^^^^^ ^^^ San .Tos^- Scale has

plv local demand. \\ '.»'"< ♦f,-; "t,,, «,,,..,„! of tin- pes ms

16

trees are soon almost denuded, after which a new but sickly growth
of new leaves appears. The fruit from such trees is very much be-
low the average in size and quality. The cause of this disease has
not been determined, nor any remedy applied.

JAMES W. ANDERSON, Stewartstown, York Co.— I am alarmed
in regard to the San Jos(^ Scale, and if there is not vigorous effort
made to check its ravages we will be knocked out of business in
less than ten years. Our legislature ought to make an appropria-
tion for this very important work and have men visit all fruit grow-
ers and nurserymen and compel them to spray.

D. M. WERTZ, Quincv, Franklin Co.— I have tried no new varie-
ties. I have marketed nothing but peaches, selling nearly 22,000
baskets the past season. We are troubled with yellows, but the
worst of all San Job6 Scale, woolly aphis, shot hole borer, root gall,
crown gall, borers, blight around the collar of apple trees, twig
blight and a number of other jR'sts to nmke ones life miserable.

THEODORE DAY, Dyberry, Wayne (^o.— This is third year of
big ai>ple crop and most trees have made little growth. Good
grafts were scarce last spring and I did very little grafting. Most
trees were in iK)or condition for grafting. A large share of the
big crop of apples wasted. Nearly all our farms are rough hill
sides and hard to work. All our best young people go to towns or
elsewhere, leaving nearly all our farms very light handed, and it
does not pay to work tiiem with poor hired help, or to pay high
wages.

W. II. STOUT, Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co.— The season was cool
and wet, fungus and rot serious, but little damage to fruit by in-
sects. Ai)ples were so abundant that they were unprofitable, with
quantities wasted, not with cost of marketing. Plums were abun-
dant and found market at low prices. Peaches being a failure
helped the sale of the plums which might otherwise have been un-
pjolitable. Competition is becoming more keen, so that the con-
sumer and not the producer profits by large crops.

J. B. RE IFF, Spring City, Chester Co.— We should have some
legislation eompelling every one to spray or some authori/.ed in-
spector to see that it is done. We, as nurserymen are compelled to
fumigate all our stock sent out and our careless neighbors keep on
breeding scales faster than we are able to kill them. "While we can
send out our stock from our nurseries perfectly clean and in good
shape, but planted among stock covered with scales, they cannot
grow and we receive censure for sending out stock infested with
scales. Until we get some legislation that is much more far reach-
ing tlian at present we cannot look for an extermination of the
scale pest, while the salt, lime and sulphur is number one, there
are too many who will not go to the trobule to use it and the conse-
quence is that all suffer alike, the just and the unjust.

OLIVER D. SCHOCK, Hamburg, Berks Co.— Fruit in general was
of excellent qualitv; best in many years. As a judge of the fruit
displays at various fairs the past fall, the above was made self evi-
dent by the character and ([uality of the fruit exhibited. The new
varieties are also in evidence and some of these are very promising.

The San Jos6 Scale has made serious gains and many of the larg-

■ k

^i^

)■>

"Vl

i>

17

Pst and best orchards are menaced by total destruction. !« ma"?
caststhe owners are unaware of the actual conditions until too

g'vBBIEL HIESTEK, Uarrisburg, Uauyliiu Co.-In my opinion
th^severe winter of 1-J03-4 injured the older ^^f ^^^^^Xn^
those that had produced several «ops. Many o the f luit tads
were frozen and the balance appeared rat"^*^^ ^^^•'K''"'!^ ti^^teachei
neaches dropped off when about the size of peas. W 'f"!'',^. l'^^,"^>.
ripened up thev lacked size and color. Youus trees that Id nocr

While the market was full of second class fruit.

K.iffer Dears came in the first of October and stopped the sale

tiT as Duchesse were bringing at that tune. , ^ , ■^^

tcras '^"^"^«» Boverstown, Berks Co.-I have planted quite

Collins Ked is an enormous ^f '^-^ ' ' t'l,^;.*/^,.^^^^^^ "^ !„4 g,ower,
and a good seller. \I«";;"°'';, »^»'^, ^e^qm litv excellentra very
medium early bearer, fruit laigc, 'ify\lf' /".,„•' bearer, fruit very
hite keeper. Bla.k »-' />»;'«;/" t\ " 1h"u Ben 1^^^^^^^^^ Gilbert
:.B r^L^^ 'ClJrBirVwir"«alonie is not proving

^"L'Strtaiiding the -.1-nation of the puM^^^^^^^^ Kei«ev P-
is holding its own and where ""ders cod •'»*^ I' ;,,-,, 'j,^ ,pear-
rivalling the »'»•♦"■"'" -,;'^^„ ".':.;,•, . ,Wng lo a\l thatVough
anee, large, gual. y good, ^"'" |'X.i i iP 'op-'rlv grown and on un-

''^Sour 'cherries are a good crop, bringing big returns.

': "he! a,:. b<.tter than Siandaid Oil stocl. ;^^'^:ZS
given, well ted, well pinned and "'<■»" '•"'J\™- i^/j .,,e,,tv of
more dollars than anyth ng you 'f \\^;, ,/„;,\^;,' ,,;!,. ee. Last
trees that hav<. given me from tive to *", "^,>. °' ,!, ,Vaer<> I sold
season from K.d eight yar old *'»'''«,"V'f"'-/o^:t trees, covering
*1,OSO worth. This season from om^l^^> ,n . ', f. H one' and one-

per acre and only two and one-half years fiom plantin,.

18
I am getting move fuU, X:ri^^:i^lr^^ ^^^
ft T have not had an o« y-ar foi- ten years. ^ ^ ^^^^^^^

Chainnan of General Fruit Committee.

DISCUSSION.

MR. HIESTER.-I am P'-^d to hear that Ben D^
ing 80 largely planted as f^"'".'''''? ^Z" ^ ,^^^f iVave York Imperial

resinous sticky material resembling llypapei. It recomm
%%r"l^Sl-ln mf oJS tt is made of .-sin and oil, and

'*i;^''mtmVx'"l>r-T'am glad to eonunend the able report of
MR. BKO\N>, i^ei. i *'"\fe*; . . ^ ,.(,„^ it is one of

T 1 1 w ?o heir the experience of some of our members.

^ Tu HIFsiEK -I ne no storage house of my own. and my only
MU. ItlKSTEU. 1 naM ^ storage houses, where the

experience is in renting sp.uc in i. !. ^i.,,,.,.,.. It costs ten

temperature can be keirts.,^^so^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^ ^

cents a month p.i ''"'7'' """.nj^ that where" possible, farm-
storage warehouse. I ' "^^gVi^^^-'^nd tiild on the co-operative or
;::.;mi p .far'iXt^ses of that Uiud in New YorU State,
and the contents were in splendid condition.

^

t

19

rrof . Blitz, chairman, Committee on Fruit Packages submitted the
following report:

To the Members of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsyl-

vauia:

Gentlemen— Your committee recommends the adoption of the fol-
lowrugfr^it packages for the shipment of the several fruits named.
For Apple8,-The standard 28 stave, 3 bushel barrel.
For Summer Fancy Varieties.-The stave bushe basket
For Winter Fancv Varieties.-The bushel box, lOxllxiU muis.
For Peare -The barrel and half barrel. Fancy varieties in half

''"For' Perche's-The'aU 'bushel stave peach basket. For fancy
vadeties the twentTpound basket with raised ventilated cover, and

' For riums^l^Ten and twenty pound baskets, with raised ventll-

ated cover. , . , . ^ i „„i,^.+

For Grapes.— The four and eight pound basket.
For Small Fruits and Cherries.-The bushel crate of 32 quart
boxes, non-returnable.

Respectfully submitted by the

GEO. C. BUTZ,
GABRIEL HIESTER,
EARL PETERS.

Committee.

nfu TTTi?«5TFR — At a meeting which I attended in New York

St^te'las week I sa^w some'pacfages on exhibit to f ow diffei^nt

A!n^« Tt will mv any one who has fancy fruit, to put it up m

S stpe rn"t^e'fa'll,'in the midst of the picking season it re-

'^"i^iTcH^mMA^^^^ think Mr. Hiester's idea is corrcM^t. In Mon

be handled in s"^^!^ f !;;^^{».^^:^^^ ^,. ^.e a bushel basket built like
In «Vn>pmS appl^B^^^ l^^, ,,,d fruit can be seen.

a peach basket. Ihey (an ^\\'y , secretary of "Mississippi

The following communication fioni tnt sttieiaij u ft-

Valley Apple Growers Association was read:

Quincy, 111., Jan. G, 1005.

To the Officers and Mc^mbers of State Horticultural Association of

Pennsvlvania:

20
pHvilege of placing a matter, whicb uuu.y think is of the utmost im-

[.ortanTe. for your ^■«'"•t<•<'"^f ""^/.^IH ^f Vpph. Day feature at the
It has been generally «"""'^','^,y'* ,,Xita to all who had the re-
World's Fair last year ^vas ^IJ^^>^"'!^^X .ronouneed senti-
,„otest interest in the appU' '"d «t i. • | '"^,f ' ne of the annual
ment in the n.iddle west <>« '^''; '« :^W>^e ^> "
events to be generally obserxed ' '' "^^ J''^ ^ ;„ „bo„t the mid-
It has been thought that the date » ""''^ * '"\7^ .,, ^.jti, the la*e
die of ea.h Oetober in "''l-^o e^me elos. m tonU^^^^ ^^

fall and winter "l^pU^ and 1 ;'\;^/ t i urpose to create a holiday
anywhere against Oct. 1.. ,".'.^,""!,;";J„„. ,ts or soliciting contn-
nor to form any plan tor maUing ■'^^;^™; . , ,,,t,. j,„d local so-
butions, the idea bemg^^ to ;-^---'^..^Jr^'and proper. .

ciety to obser e the day as t"^-^ ' f , „, ,),.tober the farmers in-
You are well awa e 1'^'* m tlK -mm . .^^^^ ^^^ .j,,;^,. ,„,„.

stitutes, county fairs """ ''"'V^; .,,,, i,..tions could easily make a
mon all over the land and *'"j;l;.3"^-^,^"^„',7o be generally ob-
display of apples. Kuowmg *] "* »=« la daj w^. "ommendable

served you can read, y ^'^T *''".* *'? oredUable exhibits and also
rivalry betwe.-n societu'S tor '"'>'; K„\'f ;";,„,.„». This would
aumng individuals in showing «"1''^^ '»';',,'"";;„,, fruit. It can
cause a wholesome stimulus in •■'*o\*^ ."Viener. diet of apples on
be readily anticipated that there :;^"" f^f j'„^;";!^'^^^^^^^^ hav

such a day and this 7"l'\;""';;;\*.X^u,nv interesting comments
LTtrSnc i!^er,t!.r.uUU;e ai-lerful means of keeping the

apple prominently b..fore »''': l»;;;i;.';;j^.^, „,,. „,eessity for such a

The averag.- orchadist «ill l^*,' .^''\.,, .,.,. t,„.,.,. niav be no pro-

inovment. There will lie «""". l.Uu s ,;^ 1^^ " *; I ';.„„,d ^^i.-idly hail

auction of crops and growers . sn a Y'^'," .^,„,,„ ^..^^.u follow

any movement to help -'' i;" ' .;,i„ to .vers and shippers,
tliat it would give a l''«htable ..«aU mn lo ^^ ^^^^^^^^

What is r.-sp..ctfully ask.'d of • ""' J "f, ,e"ol, tion wliid. would
support to tl..> movenient by adopting a um.iui.o

'^'"H'o,fing'",haUo:"will lo..k upon the matte.- favo.ably, I am, with

best regards. You.-s trv.l.V, ,„,,,^,v

JAMES IIANDLY,

Secretary.

On n.otion of Mr. Iliester (he conimunication was .-.■ferred to the
Execiitivo ('oiiiiiiitt(H\

^ri> TTTF^TFU— KcfiTviii}; ixiTixm to my attciidanro at the Ilorti-
MK. lirESl^^H.-7»^<i/i^'"»- /^ , . ^^, J ^yjint to say that

,.„lture n.eeting in .n ^^\^^^-] ,^^ ^':^,,,,.o „f us in Horti-
Ieonchi.h.dthat...>ew\o kth.>j y^^^ _^,^^^,j^ ^_j .^^

cultural methods. One <'^'""^.J-"".;;' " j ^,„. ,„.eatest features
potato..s interest;., me S^!'-;* -V "^.^^^ j ^/C '• 1. f (^ul" and "Brown
of the me.4ing. . Tl"' ';->^"'*^, f.!'' ' ;^",^, jt ,vas fou.id that when

r" r'7'4;'r;.' w\'r;- .n « -e^ .v a,X.tU.us ..f U".-, su.phur and
Han Jos^^Sca ^^.y.'mo Kot'w.'re also k.'pt in c.mtrol. I saw
Pen'ns; uia li s .\:.r.. grown in tli.. Experiment grounds, and

21

sam.. n.eeting, that .n '"''^i; " . if'^^Viibits lo premiums were
or eight var.etu's, and at ♦'">'..>.,■,"< Th. ir idea is that

&;'^io:rbX\:p::;^ £^i^^^^^

^'T^tvn^^:: Zeh ';n:;e::.d ^h tl.e remarks j^

„uy^!*L-..l Vg.^. that o..r -;|;St"lncou.:.ged: X'^b^-lt',
and larger displays of <•' '/'V^''^ ',',,,';'"" ,7,,,.e consideration.

fr.*" 'xS by the :^:...In.ittee, a..d contended that more attention
is given theret... authorized to appoint a

eommi"" thr^': to 'examine new fruits on exhibition and report

"^"^I'm!^!^^ (New J..rsey1 imtui..d ^^J- t'll^^KHl!:;:
pays any pre...iu...s '''V'^.'''^? :, "^^-^ ,r,v h.M^^ a ni..e display, but
$2.(10 is paid for fln.'St displav. Y,.vl, hit less than four or five
Tn our exhibits w.- allow no on,, to exhibit hs tl a,._ f .^ ^^^^^^ .^

sp..ci.....ns. As a.. i..du<....... nt * ", / '' *;'^ '7,,,oi,.e display. The

nothing lik.. giving a man "<•'.';•'. .;^/,"^ ,\he State'
X..W Jers..y Soc.;ty ;•'•"'";;' *-,'^' ';,.;;' somei..f«r.«ation .oneern-
MU. lU<ll.(iKS.-I «''">, ;r,.,°j^^\^, ]Zt .ulture on the South

ll-S 'aml'^ouid ^irto'l: ;w What - ^^ ;- ^-^H^
;i;::^/q::rial. <^;;o:^^Ir^:::d•;^.mla Lk'!:.^:t^are other promis.
ing vaneti.^s ,„„.,„„,„ js ..„nsi.ler..d the standard of ..x,-..!-

U.n.'f- I h.n-e'H.;7S ing to grow it, and «iid it can b.. grown to per-
^"mr" mIu ER -Have grown Jonathan and they did well for a

while,' tl...n dwiiidl..d a«yy ''"<},«;;':;; "''.r-il'mlt a.iv altitude high

MR. RUOWN.-Jonathan ^v'" *^ 7,,,'^^' w Spi .i.-.l-uvg. may be

or low. It has ,lm.;a.t..r a..d 'l'-''^'^^ f ^.^at l.n and attention,

•a?j'S A=g'aud' thinnl.V'^i'"onsider it one of our most

•'^^{^•^i^^^^wiii Mr. "--• ;^;,^;— ^ mv:f S=t'it

liine, suli.hur and salt niixtur.' f"''/I";'>'"S-

and would lik.. to have furth..r I''''*l"" ■"^- ,5,,,,, ^„,,,,,„r and salt

MR. RuowN.-Mv '■^i'';;;;;'i;';;f '^ r.is ff ectiv..' as ti... boncd

22

1904 by others,, who report -"--^^^^^^ c'coXl^o tf S

sulphur and salt four years »f ' J. .""[^ '*/„'^°„g^^^^^^

ornia method, boiling it o"^' «»<! ? * ", •j""'"^ Zunds of salt and 00

40 pounds "f ">-. ^!' 1(°-<1^ ,tid law « Delaware, making spray-
gallous of water. \\c h.nc a i t, a law j ( ge,,ie are

ing practically «^o-ni'»l«ory. «"' ^;;* '"^^V ^, to the generally
traced as commg to us from New Jcrsey.^^^^ ^^.^^^^^^

bad effect of oil, l «as iiu lu i rn„. fiiat two years I used it,

effective wash, lime, «"ll!l'"7"f.^«".*;ifj^,H method. This b.'ing so
as already stated according to the ■'';(""',•";;, "j^ood lime when
laborious and slow, and in ^i"?;. " /l^V deyeeL I conceived the

-i^oX^ordT^"""^^^^^^

it a little at a time, 2 ^^''-^.^{^"^^^^^1^' f en 'took a barrel

hoe, but not sufficient to intercept the b«> "S- ^^ ''< " ^'"^^ • ^^

I flil up f *>• -- -7 talXdnZCa" tlr^nd supply
pounds of salt, stii .« ' ' '•, ^ !„ J" r jta. if this has been prop-
when fresh and hot t".°^*«'"the trc'e when it strikes it like good
erlv made it should sticlv on tne iiie wi better be thrown

paint, when it runs like water it '« "« «"X Toli^hiCX boUing and
Uay. 1 have added ♦I'ejaus ic po as to co„t ue t. K^^ _^

do not believe it is any benefit but «t^«'7" ;"„J"^\„ ..i^ay^ find a
certain conditions precipitate the '" *"'•'« '"";," j^ sp/aved out
larger residue of lime whore a ^a";' «' * '^^jf ^ ,^Veln left out.
whtn caustic potash has b^™ "^.-^.f ^^'^^.^^''^^tiemely satisfactory,
My use of lime, sulphur and sa t nafJ^^^" ^^"t jt „„ gix Stark
although I have not been able to l^^JJi^l^.^^^^^lZe^.r, to the
Tirv Ecfci^TtVe'tteirortYiils'oraSR: branches ivpon which
IriLVxtrZeW difficult to «<>* ^bef ne su phijr coa^t^^^^^^^^^^ .^ .^

''"" Tctd;%hurne;-JSrn nTtw^-'fll." ap,dication

"^t'ruse^s n^'t at'na^i w""any danger whatever, while great care

TM^Te^Z'^vettcrsTulin my method of prep^

and hu:dr:ds of growers -'- .b-^/.t^cT:;' o^TiS^^^^^

been equally «»^<-^«« "';^ J^ ^asrhutin methodical, careful hands,

would recommend b«"bnR «" ja«'i, riut i method.

""nt *J"oONS Tl"Ti; ?he'drrenc^ [n" kin'd o'f sulphur used?

acidity. -^«.t^b"'''""«„t!a,rRtillTe distinctly seen. It might be
':ZlTo^ by frere easrwind'if'u'ame soon after the applica-

tioii was made.
Adjourned.

23

ADDRESS OF THE TKESIDENT.

Eveninj;; Session.

To the Members of the State Horticultural Association of Pennsyl-

vania :
During the years that I have been honored as your President, it
has beef a ma'tter of regret to me that I was not >" a position to
accomplish more for the horticultural '"t^^ests of u. b a^^^^^^^

When I accented the I'reaidencv, it was my ambition to inauguraie
a m<^rment fo"; tt forniatioii of-Co,,nty "-♦-•"It";;"' -\«Xw"e '
the same to be auxiliary to our State A^^""';'*' " ;. „ ;. ^t ,k ng
found myself unable to give the necssary time to the uiidci taking,
onfi loft it fnr those foUowiniic after me.

It [s to be regretted that Uiis, the State Horticultural Associa-
tion Ts not molt closely in touch with the fruit growers and horti^
cultmlsts of the Commonwealth, and that our nienib».rslnp has not
»^Tttt»nded into everv county of the State.

'r understand tluU the department of AgH.•ut„r,^ .rough s
Economic Zoologist, Prof.'ssor Surface, has availed itself of o ly
o.mmtunitv to nill the attention of the fruit growers to the btate
IToda^ol bul'the respons.. in the way of ^^^^^^^'^'
although encouraging, has not been what we bad hop d fo .

Tinfnrtiimtelv tile oroceedings of our meetings and tm many
vallabirpaperrread ^ the saine cannot under the present sy;stem
be promptly published and distributed among the m-'-lb'^^^;;"""*
'i^. kl:^ rt»tZ re'cai;^rb^ aTr^mirf hibit

" srVi::wTraril. Ul^lrowing tendency to ^^^^^^^^^
'"'wr.-.','r[h'.^t"'ihe'Lord helps those who help th.-mselvs, and

worthless trees to improved varieties. Durinj,^ this turn tiicit ^a

24

little or no eomraoroial ov.havding for the reason that the cost of

*T,r'S 7haVt;:l^!"in:.::t pe.t. and ai.ea«eB with which we

are no^ confronted, were Poetically »n^{!"';"-,., „. orchards have

Now with mod..rn transportation *»'^ >^ « ^"^ .^ .,," ,„,,„ ^,,0 es-

oases to remain uiuUciki'd "P^|"/* ^^,Vt >ml tb it bv ri«lit the author-
I would not elahorate npon this point 1 j u n^ tn

^z^T^v:^'^ iiie ^1::^';::";:;.; •.^tf'^ inp ont the ais.

;!::rtT;at --^ .no„a... to ..... st^ch a^ ,^

Some mav contond that inasiumn as» i ri-alizo that

fruit for profit, he should P7 I''* ''^ nim" e sil c an 'uit be
the more favorabl.> the "'"'^'♦'""«' * ,%rV„,ndv will mak.^ fruit
grown, and that tlu, natural increase '" ,', .^^c nsum<.r, and that
more plentiful and cheaper f°', *"' ,■!;',., ,X the consumers
while the fruit growers mav nninhei thousands,

"Ttt\r.:tarrc? tLt to-da, .«^

fled soils and ;;y-|-J%''^;''>„f rt'^Xthetl^ires of the
for its supply of fruits, i >mii "^i . p.,-,,.sYlvania but when

supply of^th,.r States 'l^^::^^'^z^:"'::i!::'^n«.yun.^.

the <l».v f>-^;f' «f 'U peai-s! pea lu^ Bmall fruits that its

To^^o ^irc^ils^jtl^h ^n>eVa^ juar^

and contentment of its people. existence has

Although our Association ^"""K ^;*[' nTerestV "f the State, it

accomplished """'' J";; * ^^^ '^"Vi ™ organiz^^ of t"'« '■^^'■^''''

^itCi^S^a t VcSish all tliatc^ , .^ ,,.,

ture. the same U> hox.u<^ *'';,,"« ,"^0^.1 1 to just fv his devoting
J^r^n^le'^l^. -1 aVt::,:tioVt't^n>t;W.u,t^^ interests of the

^^^^^' - ^,.;o+i«<r +n mich a horticultural division

a Lrci^nt'rur/t trSS *:nd' nlMntam a systematic and
effective educational work. contend that everv dollar in-

.oKvThe s i;^t^:i7rro;^nri:t..tui.^^^^ to the state

tenfold; yes, an hundredfold „,„,„,.j,„„„. confined not onlv sim-

I would have the ^-1' "*/X d vi opm 1 o om. fruit interests

ply to the ••"'•""^R*'' "'f "VvudV^iT iws. Tt is not surprising

Xt^the^v:.";™^^^ f^ls^ihar rt; neither the time nor the

,i

fV.

I

t

25

means to do much in the direction of rtoral decorations about his
place, and yet in the majority of cases on his own farm and along the
road side can be found beautiful and desirable native flowers,
shrubs and vines, which can easily and quickly be dug and trans-
planted, and so arranged as to make the bare forlorn corners and
edges of his front yard very attractive to the eye. A little work in
this direction and possibly a little money exix'nded on varieties that
do not grow in his neighborhood would very quickly make his place
worth more to sell, and vastly more to keep.

"HOW SAN JOSE SCALE TRAVELS.

3 »t

HISTORICAL.

In IH8T the writer began to plant fruit trees on th.' south side of
Lewisburg. In the same year. Mr. (K Wolfe planted on the west
!.; U,e "own, in the village of Linntown. In ^%_^-^^l^^
i.lints on both our properties were dying from San Jost^ bi.K.
'rhev were infested son.etime prior to 18!.;!. My property ,s im-
n elhatelv adjoining Lewisburg. Mr. AXolfe's is onefmirth mile to
le west, l-ntil um. the scale was not perceptible '"»'>, end of
t vv,r It l.-.s not vet appeared in west end, and Mr. Wolfe tells
r hat 1. ne < 1 is m'i«l.l'''- 1"«- ='« .-t complained of -the Scale
Sou of niv property, within a half mile are three orchards. Scale
^",8 bserved two vears ago in on.- of tli.se, but up..n n.'wly plant. d
nluni tre.-s Tl .■ n.-arest orchard to mil..' is ab.mt S(M) yar.ls and is
e in .'st.'d. Across the riv.-r one-half mil., is an or.hard in-

st.H tough voung t.<M.s. In (J.-rmantown. Pa., th.- seal.- .s known
to 1 • V. tn,v.-led 01..- mile sin.-e ISlUi. In th.- writ.-rs obm-rv-iitum
Ih, s.ale ti-av<-ls with extreme slowness, after b.-ing on.e plant.-d m
an orchard.

HOW IT TRAVELS.

Tt walks for a few davs after birth and at a rapid rate for so small

".Tr i^;i:^';^:ri.:;ixrr . ':oX.^;r thiirare'u:^

d r .- e.r;nrrin-Xov:-;rr!'''u l-rtainly waiks to j.ajon.i^ trees
wli.-r.- bran.h.-s int.rla.-.-. and so spr.-ads rapidly. It also spi.a.ls

'"^l^:Z ira'tirit'stS i" - .'.-bard, v.-ry slowly, to
the tr.-es imi ediatelv a<ljac.-nt. and so pass.-s in tnn.- ..ver lu- or-
r.n,.!lTt would s.-.-m that it can som.-tlm.-s g.-t fr..ni tree to tr.-e
o^i,. g -o'ln f.u' ii^yming tr.-es, it is .-spe.-ially iit first found upon

tl - trunks of the tr.-.-s. and upon the "l''l';;;[»";'"';„,;;'/' .'on
its slow niov.-m.-nt from tr.-e to tr.-.-. in 1 "0 " ;'"""%♦ .^^T-
the writer-s prop.-rty, two trees w.re inf.-sted, and the s.ale De

26

from the scale. -, '^^ ^.. nearby plants.

Tlu. wind nu.y ,.o««ibly «"";;; ""2, nlns.'c^s Some have been
Po««ibly it travels on ant«, "r^tl^rN'^eZd in working orchards,
,,uite snre it is eonvejed ' P»" " f. ' " X.bU B"d», and especially
but this d<..'8 not seem to the writei 1»" '^•''^- " ,.pa'di„g the scale,
the English sparrow, have been cred ted ^ ^^ ^P^^^.'^^f^birds, as a
If this is 80, then it would «"■"'* f^^^'/wM conveying theory,
v,.l,i.le, as little as possible, '»'<J ,f,f {"f,M „„„„ the under branches
we would urge, «rst. .t '^/l^Xniaces where birds would be least
of a tree first, in a word »» .""^^^Ye «elerts its host, or plant on
likely to alight. ^V^"*^' fTiMoTo his is H ot also' careful to se-
which it will live. If careful to <|°;'"\i " ". ^ ^^ xhus it avoids
lect the vehi.le by which U ♦••"^••'f '. ,J^" *.'' f, generally, while it
the cherry, the Kic'tter pear, »f .'";'"]./' ^ '^„*'r, Japan ..uince,

-^rii^wirt/ii^wh^^n;!!:;^.^^^

how it has been s,.read "^-^'^^^Vi^t^.'^^heen carried all over the
property on nursery stock, ""^ '* "^ \' , ,', ^his was tr,.e in the

State in the ^^^^^""^^'.^^^^Z s'-nuner the writer visited
past. It IS still true. ''"'"'«} j,,. infested from purchased

^"ndiorrtinr-ari;:::^: "::;" si:in:!;?d mfest^ed stock, not know-
ing that they ');•',''*,'';' .^.™/,';-tree8 who do not believe the scale to be
There are still dealcis in "";"' ". . ^ „ infested trees where-
really dangerous. Such do "" »^';;^;, ."^.."^..''t'l.e burden upon the

is, that today after all "'."* '.^.^ ^ ' " .'^ , ,to,k. and will be so dis-
q lantity is being <!•««■"'' '•'V''Vue with both inspections and
seminated until greater '','«*' ^^...''instructions upon fu.niga-

brdone under State inSTK*t.on ^.^^ ^ nurs.'ry once

Another matter *'"' . "'""^•J.,. ' i.ed to fumigate all its stock, or
infest<.d should ever »f';;[,,!;;;i;V' So ditli.ult is it to find the minute

work with the ••'"■^ '•"::';;^„X ed the scale cannot spread from
that so far »^'»7^^ »f ^ "" aiinf 'sted or.hard is no great men-
orchard to "rl'"/''iri,.m In villages it is different. There the

27

THE FOREST IN ITS KELATION TO HORTICULTURE.

I

1

By I. C. Williams, Deputy Commissioner of Forestry, Harrisburg. Pa.

The relationship existing between forestry and horticulture niay
or may not be near or intimate. The effect of the forest upon what
the horticulturist concerns himself with may not be apparent to the
casual observer; but such relation is no doubt real. This effort,
therefore, will be directed toward showing how and why it exists,
the benefit to be derived by one from the other, together with some
suggestions which it is believed would be well for the Association

to consider. . ,, x-

One of the very important uses of the forest is the conservation
of moisture. A treek'ss region is a dry country, sometimes and
and sandy. A dense fori-st cover shades the ground, and prevents
the effect of the direct action of sunlight, rapid evaporation. The
forest floor, if protected from tire, will soon be covered with a thick
mulch The roots of the trees, penetrating deeply, form bonds to
knit tiie soil together, as well as water conductors to carry surplus
rain beneath the surface. The mulch receives water and holds il
as a siMMige, pre^tnts rapid flow-off, and covers the forest floor as a
wet blanket. In a treeless region the rains beat the soil, from the
top of which the water rushes, usually carrying a considerable part
of the soil therewith, the streams and rivers are gorged with water,
following which is the usual destruction of bridges and fences,
inundation of lowlands, and deposition of silt, gravel and othtT
debris upon valuable meadow lands. What does not thus How off
ouicklv evaporates, and is dispiMsed by the winds. ^^ ithout the
great ^latural reservoir, the forest, the water is speedily gone,
drvness follows with its inevitable injury to vegetation

With the forest cover intact, a small part of the falling ram is
immediatelv returned to the air by evaporation from leaves and
branches, some is absorbed, a part descends trunks and following
the line of roots reaches deep underground strata, while the re-
mainder is held bv the mulch and slowly allowed to sink below the
surf-ice Verv little of the rainfall thus runs directly off. As a re-
sult of 'the above, springs are steadily fed, a moderately even flow
18 maintained, no unusually high water stages are followed by un-
usuallv low stages. While the rain may descend never so hard, a
stream flowing from a well wooded region is seldom if ever colored

bv the washing of soil. , . xi '

\mong the functions of the leafy part of the forest is the ex-
halation of waterv vapor into the atmosphere It has been calcu-
l t^ from (^xperiments, that a square mile of average forest will
exhale three and a third millions gallons of water in a month, or
one hundred and ten thousand gallons a day, being two thousand
barrels of fiftv-five gallons each. This is no inconsiderable amount.
In seasons of more than average dryness an amount of vapor such
as the above, added each day to the atmosphercN must have a bene-
ficial effect upon all forms of snmller vegetation, for descending at

28

„i.l.t in the fonn of d.w, it funu.l.e^ a considerable part of tl^e
moiBture n,.eessar.v for "'■'"""7,,'J^";;; .t„,, of lar«.. wooded areas
It is maintained ^y ^^!"''^ ^^^ ^^J^^^^^^t tlHs question has
is eondueive to rainfall, llie " y*'"Vr i>^ ...itiin that the forest
not vet yielded satisfaetorj resnlts. It is 7'*' "' ^'i'V ,^,. „,a„y
Soes^n no way eluek the volume <•*■;»'»'"'• ^..^.^''^j/.^, '^os-
that when tin- Kieat vo uin.> of waterj x. loi '^^' >; "''"^j.^^,,.. ,„„.

llltion^V^t 'a S ^rth'^;rr:rf :.!.;n';ie\V:at"^:t\on „.. .reelpl.

earth in the form of ^^^^ and lea^es lu e^ ^ ^^^^^,,

valuable humus or mulch, found in cmij 1»""J' , . ^ j,

condiHons must of ^^'^^J ^:: ^^^^a and .:i"e.,uent de-
rtrlu-aon'otl a fr^it^ and teuaer vegetables decreased by t lie

a, onu" obsl^cuJ'to tl... art of the horticulturist is ' -t «-••.- -^

^''^t':ve'j.in.tt!;?t=iii;"f e^

:Tthin o • I the vii ward side of the 'wooded land, the foi.st takc^
Th. . "u^ of a Kr..at filter, allowing clean air to emerge and ,n-,.vent-
• i .. f ..Vit l.'.vcs the sensitive organs of orchard and garden
"l!;.ftrf in V" I'lg choked with dust, sapping their vitality by the
pUiiits, iiom iHi ij, (.(Mtain injury, rcndoviii^'

:IXCrun«rV;^tlie nn:;ket,''and destroying hopes of pro.ltable

"'Another berm'whi.h, it is b..lieved. th.. forest confers upon the
horticulturist is its probable effect of retarding early fros . It is
W..11 1 nown fact that a cloudv night at the beginning of the frost
L":in lea s reedoni from frost for that night The orange
giCers of Florida and th.- grap.' growers of central New \ork

'

29

build great smoke or smudge fires, covering their orchards and vine-
yards with a blanket of smoke, preventing the radiation of heat,
consequently removing danger of frost. Over an extended forested
area, interspersed with farms and gardens, much the same effect
can be produced. The watery exhalation from the forest, hereinbe-
fore spoken of, condensing overhead into the form of low hanging
clouds, acts in the same way as the smoke blanket or a general
cloud covering. Of course no such effect could result from forests
of diminished si/.e or ordinary woodland.

The horticulturist, along with all other enjoys many common ad-
vantages or benefits of the forest. The question of irrigation is
one that does not confront the Pennsylvania fruit grower, but it is
a most vital question with his brother in California and other and
regions of the west. Without the forest to conserve the snow and
rainfall, there could be little hope for extending the benefits of

'"^ Such bdng the benefits conferred upon horticulture by the forest,
we look in vain for benefits to the forest conferred by the practice
of horticulture. In other words, the two do not stand in a recipro-
cal relation. It is wholly a one-sided matter; but the horticulturist
can, indeed, lend his intluence toward the protection and preserva-
tion of the forest. He can, in the first place refrain from de-
stroying it, should he happen to be the owner of any considerable
forest area. He can protect it from fire and spoliation, and insist
that others do the same. He can extol the virtues of the forest.
He can educate himself and his children to look upon it as a great
natural inheritance, "to be wisely used, reverently honored, and

carefully maintained." , . . ^. a

MR CREASY.— This is a subject in which I am much interested,
and will be one of the great questions of the future. The subject
of rebates is one that has not been fully met. In sparsely settled
townships and counties in which are large tracts of forest, money
is needed for roads and schools, and where rebates are granted the
amount must be made up on other property. In our county the
great danger to forests from fires started by railroads, and if there-
were some way to compel these corporations to assist in extinguish-
ing them, a great step would be gained.

MR McSr\RREN.— In justice to one of our railroads, I would
state 'that it^s verv careful to keep its right of way clear of any-
thing that might cause fires. They have track walkers who act as

^ MR^^PETERS— In Southern Pennsylvania there are thousands of
acres* of forest almost covered with undergrowth, and have been
almost bai" of trees for 25 years. Nearly every year these fo-s^
are set on fire by freight trains, and nothing is said about it. It
Ins been suggested that owners of large forest tracts be compelled
to divided them into sections, and open avenues through them so
as to facilitate the handling of fires. I think twenty-five or fifty dol-
lars paid annually to a conscientious man would guard or protect

^ 000 'icres

Dr'gROFF— :yir Peters' views in many particulars correspond
with my own.* If we could imprison the men who start fires it
would be a great gain. In addition to the causes of fires already
mentioned, the material left in the forests by lumbermen is a very

30

importaut factor. As to the syst.-u, "^ -'?«f,«/"«TZ.Vmiencie8
is not so m,uU uiuonstitutional f '•"!; »f '['f ''jjHi„\'.al ^^^ on

nriSi^icti -.:^:'^sir:. ... a. e.

«l! S^ ul^'"'l"^.'XuJi:;^ ^"^r^^U^^iseussion. and
a,u"Uc"'Vi s^ tie iXw^bat is manifested in the forestry

"Tu.m.'be..n eouvincd that eonstabU-s as a nUe aix; in;fl;;;<;"t f^^
w^udens a^dl^re not to be tV^-'llrarn. inJr'T if rZedfli^s
onr forest fires are started by »'"l'««'l .'"«'"^^;,„ I,,, the l>epart-
w"th the Lefrislature, and if *'";.l'^'t'rjt . v'imttK "a" o-^'y

■"""* ^"'r'VMore';' " T.;:"<ro"": r- u'ssS -•o.-"-<ii *"»*

s.,uare mile »f f"','^". •- .^f^, ," h ^ide of the traeics. railroad eom-
„r^.!;.d\.?il^V^.-"Vn...sthant,.

^^t^-rx^Sha^r^HS^^^^^

it is\ln4rint,.restU, protect omfon^^^ .^^,^ ^„ „j,„„i„t ,

coirtTrof'fhJeVt'o'S^tne plan of pro<.ednre to present to
the Leftislatur.. in r.'ferenee to this .lu.'st.on.

Messrs Creasy, M.Sparran and Chase were appointed.
The followinj; committees were announced:

Deceased Members.
\V. H. ^loon, S. Morris Jones, .Tames Krewson.

Legislation and Allied Organizations.
Gabri..l ni..ste.^-hairn,an; Earl Peters. John O. Rush, II. A. Snr-
face, Howard A. Chas<', Enos 15. Engle.

The following paper was read by Hon. W. T. Creasy, Cataw.ssa,
Pa.:

SnOrU> QIALITY OR QIANTITY BE OUR AIM?
t^'talR.Jo" tluweaUh; L beginning to take tlu.ir place among

L

'

31

the ordinary supplies of every man's table; and this taste must grow
from year to year, with an increased supply." The family that con-
sumes a bushel of good fruit this year will want a larger quantity
next year. Since it, would appear that both quantity and quality
should be our aim, and in the great desire to secure quantity we let
go of quality, and by having poor quality we need not so much quan-
tity so of the two I prefer quality and so do you, at least for our
use.' But when we produce fruit for sale we often think the peo-
ple want nothing but quantity when in reality with a little education
they also want quality. Then what is the effect? The fruit with
quality will sell while the poor fruit must waste, and is this not
about the condition of affairs we have arrived at in the fruit busi-
ness in this state, as well as in the United States?

I believe the planting of fruit is being overdone, and those who
have planted varieties for quantity only will find no market for their
fruit, at least not at profitable prices. A few years ago fall and
winter pears of the varieties of high quality brought good prices,
but the large planting of the Kieffer drove out quality, and to-day
we are awakening to the fact that the Kieffer pear is selling for
little or nothing and I will venture the prophecy that in a few years
people will again pay the price for quality. The Kieffer P^ar has
often been compared to a potato for quality. W hile I will not affirm
or deny that its quality is poorer, 1 do say that the price is less than
that of potatoes. I question very much whether the per capita con-
sumption of pears to-day is as great as it was ten or twelve years
ago, when there was a larger per cent, of better pears in the mar-

ket

In our section of the State we had a big apple crop and thousands
of bushels went to waste, principally from two causes: First there
seemed to be no co-operation among the growers to dispose of their
crop; and, secondlv, many were of such poor quality that the only
wav to get shut of' them was to let them rot on and under the trees.
I disposed of a car-load of Baldwins to a customer in Nebraska, and
the principal reason why I could sell them to a customer so far away
was because thev were not Ben Davis. I met one of this man s em-
Dloves a few days ago and asked him whether they had no app es in
the West and he said, "We have Ben Davis, but our customers know
that apple too well and would rather have none than that I asked
him how about the York State apples, and he replied, "They are too
green, while yours are nicely colored, and carefully packed

The apple market has been more or less demoralized this season
and it is quantity and not quality that has made the business un-
profitable. A great deal of money can be saved and made by dig-
ging up fruit trees and plants bearing worthless fruits.

Another general cause of poor prices is our carelessness in culture
and getting our fruit on the market. The greatly increased cost of
labor there must come a revolution in the fruit business and I know
of no better time to begin than now. The future will demand
Quality and if we wish to stay in the business we must accede to
these demands by planting better varieties with better cultivation
and better methods of disposing of our fruit after it is grown.

In a fruit garden qualitv is still more desirable than in a commer-
cial orchard, for here it is that we intend to take our own medicine.
How much we are disgusted even with ourselves when we come to

32

.at fi-uit from our own gard.-n (hat lacks <iuality. One bunch of
L'ood L'raiK'8 is wortli a bushel of sour ones. It is m these said. us
Un the a.mi.^t davs ,.f u.au's life are spent, be he rich or poor,
meiehint «. nu-ehaui.-. No faru.er or laborer eau look upon a hue
/ru "rdeu t to be fill..! with tin- highest emotions ot the trm'

' beaiuful and the good, liut alas, my -l-j; J^-"^'; 'Xu S
be so unfortunate as not to poss.ss ' ''' Vr'tl" ' e siv , ee 'ov^
perehauce your neighbor do.s, and shou d ^ on take a «b K^^ . "^,
his L'ardeu wall and behold a ISen l>avis apple or a 1^'*'"''\, l**^"''
would vou not kJep the Commandment "Thou sl.alt no steal," and
pi^y thc^Loid to have n.er, y on the Uiau that planted them and the
nurseryman that grew them. .

MB. X'ETEKS.-We fre.,uently receive at «'"/'^" ,f ^re .re
statenu.nt as has b..en made in the paper just read, f I ' t^ \ '"^
certain i>eople who will plant H.ui Uavis apple and Ku'ttei pear
mvKkMow parties wl.o say that Hen l>avis is *''-' ^-VKieffer
•,, »,■ grown. Mr. Itrown can tell y<.u sonietlnng about Kieff. i
mas tha w II surprise vou. It costs less to grow them than pota-
bles a n^ the ,r,. not easily killed by San .Jos6 Scale. I can deceive
Im't d^ of the members of this association o„ '•'^'"^.l-';*;':^;.,"':
we want some reasons for denouu.iug varieties of fruit that ai. so
popnll^ vtm, the masses. If I had l.tMM. Hen Davis apple trees 1

^' MK. MtM.t-l'did'not' know the,-., was so mu,h room for mission-
nvv wf»i-lv ill Ml- lV4fi"s' count V.

Air PETE S.-()ne of the most .■onviming argumen s is our
apple bu,..is who off.r -IT, to 50 cents per bushel more for tluMU than

^"MK''<'irVSE:-There is no .,uestioii that Be,. Davis and York
ImpeHal will sell, but the dissemination of su-h varieties must Inne

oralTuit Commit t,.eY.,rk Impei'al is losmg.gvouiuk One year
ago it sLd first on the list of desirable apples n. tins State. Now

" Mk" HIFSTER -It seems to me this only emplmsi/..s what lias
been 01 n V mi i f « r vears. There are locations in l'..nusylvaiua
where BenDavis and (iano can 1... grown as --•'' -"•.^V;;'-;';;'''-
Mv obiect in fruit growing is to make inom'y. but I alwa.xs li.\ to
^dl 1 iivm "oiethiiTg that will in.lm-e him to patron....- ni.. again.
MU it mVX-^^^ lliester ought to com.- to Delaware, where
; *i- I .h.illrs ,.er -ure for Kietler pears. While 1 an. i.i hearty

^v^d wi t. M : '• '^^ »' t'»- '"""•^ ♦""" ' «'•""• '"';""%"Y

n o.n V There are two -lasses ..f .ustou.ers. We l.av.. .... .•..»•..;.•.,

we, thv class that wants th.- best th..t can be had. a.,d lort.cul-

r, Hsts u . St 1. aut for that .lass. Then we h..v.. ;, lab...mg .h.ss

n aU CO 1 nni. ti..s that will buy an ..rti.l.' b...aus.. .t .s cheap. My

Ki.ff.4o'." is tl... old.-st i,. D.-lawa.v. 1 l.av.. ..,.pr..v..d t....r

mnlitv bv .■ultivati..n, f.-rtili/.atioi. and tho.-...igl. sp.a.ying. lh(.
?"ieff.r 1. s ,.o e,,,.al as a pn-s.-rving p.-ar. It has a .,u,n.-.- Havor
neculin to its.'lt wh.-.. put into glass. Th.' t.-.-.- .« l'ard...r an.l ...or..
To io ban any ..tl,.r. As for H.-. Davis, it has b.-.,ugl,t ...o,-..
doUirs to ...n.eri.an appl.. grow..rs than any otl...r appl... but I

I

33

would not want it for myself when I can jfct Stayman, Jonathan or
Rome Beauty. Last year 85 per cent, of my crop was absolutely
perfect.

PROF. WATTS.— What are the claims made for Stayman?

MR. BROWN. — Trees bear younjjer than York Imperial, and ripen
a larjj:er jier cent, of j^ood apples. It is decidedly more profitable
than Rome 15eauty. We also have an ai)ple called Nero, and the
tree at IS years old yielded 4^ bushel baskets of fruit which sold
for more iii rhiladel])hia, than Ncav York Baldwins. It bears every
year and is beautiful and uniform in color and size.

^IR. REED.— I find that Kietfer on heavy soil will yield large
fruit of poor color and (juality. On sandy soil it is usually of good
color and (piality.

Adjourned.

Wednesday, 1).3() A. M.

Having been called to order by the President, the treasurer's
statement was read showing a balance of f.S.OO on hand.

The following letter was read by the secretary.

January 17, 1905.

Mr. Enos B. Engle, Secretary of State Horticultural Society, Har-

risburg, I*a.:

My Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your notice of
the meeting of the State Horticultural Society, which meeting it
was my purpose to attend. I am sorry to say, however, that a wire
mess;ige from my home, announcing the death of one of my closest
friends calls me away, and will make it impossible for me to be with
you. Hoping that you may have a very pleasant and successful

meeting, I am,

Very truly yours,

N. B. CRITCHFIELD,
Secretary of Agriculture.

Prof. H. A. Surfa<-e and Oabriel lliester were appointed a com-
mittee to wait ujjon Governor Pennypacker, and invite him to the

meetings.

Mr. (\)oi)er, chairman of Tommittee on Nominati<ms, submitted

the following list of otlicers for 10(15.

President.— Oabriel lliester, Harrisburg.

Vice Presidents.— Hon. W. T. Creasy, Catawissa; Thos. B. Meehan,
Germantown; Dr. J. H. Funk, Boyertown.

Recording Secretary.— Enos B. Engle, Waynesboro.

Corresponding Secretary.— Wm. P. Brinton, (^iristiana.

Treasurer.— Edwin W. Thomas, King of Prussia.

Mr. Cooper was authorized to cast the ballot of the association
and the afon'uamed were declared elected.

The selection of a place for next annual meeting was taken up.

Mr. McS])arran named Lancaster.

MR. PETERS. — While we were well trejited, and had an excellent

meeting at Lancaster, we met ther<' only a year ago, and I extend

an invitation to come to Gettysburg. I invite you in behalf of our

Adams County Fruit Growers, who will be glad to have you come

3

34

there We have a Fruit Growers Association of some 40 members
in our county all yrowins leading varieties. You will also be able
to learn somethiuK of conditions existing thc-rc-.

Gettysburg too is historic ground and y'^V'"'^* V\^'''^."° "^ and
come. Mr. McSi)arran withdrew his nomination of Lantdstci, ana

Gettysburg was unanimously chosen.

The following paper was read by W. H. Stout, Pine Grove, Pa.

THEOKY vs. PU.VCTICE.

If we go back in imagination to that remote period when the
human race had evolved to a more intelligent and reasonable crea-
ure than brute creation; in the wilds of the -«-'« ; ."J-^ »"« "^Z,:"
sources among other animals, and increasing numbers of his lace
?he stiuggle tor existence intensified, by increasing population when
Ihelt eHng places in hollow trec-s, caves, and caverns were all pre^
emp ed and occupied. The theory of eonstruc.ng sheltering ents
for protection suggested nu-thods not then in practice. The theory
hasCn nproved with the advance of civilization from the rude
tent of leaves, bark or skins to this p<-riod of sky scrapers. Inex-
perienced untrained and uneducated subsisting upon the products
ofTture dh-ting upon roots, herbs and wild fruits as vegetables,
^nd upon turtle^, sL.kes, snails «sh and -<'h -mi 1 game as the
first instrument in use— a wooden cluli-supplu^d him with meat,
unt 1 ?he easy available supply became exhausted, when improved
methods-a ^ecessity-the theory of using stone «^-«. ^»™^7^«^
and spears, the bow and arrow with po.nt..d «" ♦; "« >"'^'^. '" *^^
atone to succeed the wooden age. Ambition, envy, rivalr}, fueds
fnd confiicts were settU-d bv combat between individuals and tribes
and the theorrof conquest and possession through practn.e became
?he law Theoiv suggested hollow logs as suitable vessels for navi-
gation and fishing, and the wind driving the craft, suggested some-
thine to catch the breeze as a propeller. , , j sj-t,

A^ unfortunate animal or a nutbearing bush overwhelmed with
hotlava from a volcano, or by fires kindled by, '}«' "r«ncooked
roasted the food which was found supc-nor to *''»/„>"/* ""'^"^'^^
condition that the theory of cooking and the use of fire in domestic
economy became a practice and when not otherwise obtainable fire
was kTndled bv friction, until the iron age introduced the flint and
Tteel science the friction match, and the electrical appliances so
pnmmnn^n our time It is onlv 4n0 vears since this country pos-
~by red mei ^^s discovered and found the natives in the same
condHion as was Europe earlier while Egypt and Asia had advanced
to the bronze age, while iron was not m nse until at a later period.

Ignoran? people- ridi.ul.. theory and when s.ientifie persons appeal-
before them as instru.tors, they are looked upon as 'mP"?t<'^«' 7'"'^.
in their daily pursuits the same persons who sp.-ak flippantly of
science, make use of theories conceived and put into practice long

* >

.

V

36

ago. Before Gallileo's time, "the morning stars sang together for
joy," the planets were guided by cellestial hands, and lightning was
the angel of the Lord. In this early period theory was a dangerous
thing to the theorist, but navigation owes its success to the once
ridiculed science of astronomy, and agriculture to the theory of
cross-fertilization, and the animal industry to the careful study of
biology by Darwin. AVlien in 1752 Franklin, accompanied by his
son, drew electricity from the clouds with his kite on the commons
of Philadelphia, he went quietly, for fear of ridicule should his
theory result in failure, because then, as at present, there were peo-
ple who were superstitious about things which they did not under-
stand. It is only a hundred years since Philij) Ginther, while hunt-
ing on the mountains near Summit Hill, found a black stone which
theory led him to believe it might be stone coal, which it proved to
be and was first quarried in 171)2, but its use was not known, and
would not burn readily, it was used on garden walks in Philadelphia
until after rejieated efforts and failures, the closing of furnace doors
to avoid danger while away to dinner, its value as fuel was acci-
dentally discovered.

There are accidental discoveries of useful things, as for instance
Bordeaux mixture; nitroglycerine; the virtue of Peruvian bark and
other things; but in a general way theory, always has a share in the
practical application of discoveries. The theory of bacteria in soil,
that of obtaining nitrogen from the air by chemistry, to that of navi-
gating ships in the air are being practically worked out, while that
of making rain and disseminating hail storms by explosives are held
in obeyance. Like trusts, there are good theories and bad theories,
among the latter, that by having had good roads, we might have
hauled ourselves rich, according to logic of wheelmen, owners of
fast horses and automobiles. That the losses sustained through in-
sect injury, and other causes fabulous fortunes are missed, yet fre-
quently the things ])roduced do not pay cost of ])roduction.

Forestry is to abate all future taxation for coming generations.
The theory entertained in some quarters that the farmers have been
educated to such a high degree that none but college graduates and
professors, with suffixes, Sc. I)., I'h. 1)., Ph. C., A. B., B. S., M. A.,
M. S., and possibly L. L. 1). These are theories that it is hoped may
be realized, but it's not likely to happen before the millenium. In
theory we can fertilize, trim and si>ray our fruit trees and make
them resistent to any contingency of weather conditions but in prac-
tice the thermometer, indicates a low temperature after some warm
days swelling the buds, or a May or even June frost may find the
blossoms open and destroy our prospects and all our pet theories
in a night.

Theory and practice go together while theory is before practice
it may be designated the advance agent to progress. It is necessary
in practice to give new theories careful consideration to decide
whether they can be adapted to our conditions. The advocates of
constant cultivation, mulching, planting stub trees, repeated spray-
ing, might find their tlu'ories useless and impracticable under differ-
ent conditions and other locutions. We have some excellent teach-
ers in the different branches of agriculture and some who know very
little about any. It is related that an agricultural and city editor

3G

0, a town paper, visited .f.U^nd in t.o --J^- -^^^^.^^S
veyance with the piopiietoiwa^a«aj.lu^^^^^^ fastenings and un-
thi horses, and after "f";^:"'!/ 1 table. They tried to re-
neceessary parts, put the ">i*",* ^ j tugs^inj; in vain, concluded
move the collars, and a te »' '-, IW*^,;,,,^;,,.,!!. young, after winch
that the collars were put on « 1'^ "'< u 'rnianently. For-

they grew so large tln.t tlu^v niust icinam o^^

tuniltly a little girl who had J''-; r^Ucor , c me to their relief and
observed then, working »>' " .^ f„ . 7^^ vith ease. Theoretically
by simply reversing the < ""• . ' ,' '^'," « ,,„d if all milch cows were
dairying is a highly ■••"V""-'''' 7, .. '""^"^ra arrel of milk daily the
ideal milk producers t5'^»'7, "" ', ',,;,, o,taut consideration when
problem of the price woul ' ^■. ;,''".'" u^,,». One of the practi-
ce price is SO cents to a d"' ' ' Z" j^'^^ , i^di the necessary chores,
cal noblenis is to get up ''''.^ . ,. 'i*^ . " ,"w ground during hot days

tensely practical. u.n.i.-uix luixture, or lime sul-

The theory of si-rayiug '•>•r^^ ,m nut on 1 is a dreaded task,

^^r^:S^'i:-r:iSe:^^>-- - -- -->

when uueens are to l'*^ /"*';"! "'iV^' , '"/of sunnier wearing a veil
or honey removed, working in _ ;> ^ "^t ^^^^ ,^^ ^^.y.

while working among a lot ot \"'M" 'jarts, it is neither as

i„g to Und places *" ;.>^;;ytj';! i^^rwouTd have'us believe We
pleasant nor as prohtabh f» ^'" .•" j blessings that are due to
profit, however, and enjoy >." ''^^^' ;'"* \ f,.,v ,.f men noted the

Iheor • and carried <'M'';';; ;""' ^.^.^.^ t^atV. Howe, llarse, Pasteur
uames of ^"">"'"bus Nev^^on lla c. , x a ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^,,j

Westiughonse are f'''! ' ' ' .f^f^^Xu/ictical utility. In horticul-
worked out a theory that ''•'^ "| V'" ' ^ ,i„.ories that prove practi-
tural lines Lntlua- Iturbauk, wwkii g «"* <" ^.j ,,„,i„jj p,oduced
cally of much value, and " - f * .^^. , „ .aidless districts and

:;t;:!^dt:d ^z^^"^^^^ «- now.

Taper by Thomas Kakestraw, Kennett Square, la.

t

.',

MrSHKOOM CULTCKK.

The word mushroom i» "'^'''^ ''•;.t"r;,;',',,d iruX^'ha't'ls gen-
larg.. numlM^r of the high.^v f" 'K • " '^ , ulf-balls. Th.^ lower

37

edible species, and use toadstool in reference to the poisonous kinds.
Webster says a toadstool" is a mushroom. It will be seen that it is
difficult to give a satisfactory detinition, or to tell just where mush-
rooms commence or where thev end. There are hundreds of varie-

«

tits, many of them are edible and some are poisonous. In a horti-
cultural sense, when we speak of mushrooms, we mean those in
cultivation in this country and Europe, and those that grow natur-
ally in the fields. This variety botanists have named Agaracus
Campestris. The best known of the other genera are the Coprinus,
Lepiota, and the Aminita, all of which have several edible species.
Among the Aminita s are a number of poisonous kinds, of which the
principal one is the Aminita Phalloides which is responsible for
most of the deaths caused from eating mushrooms. It is generally
found in the woods or near them.

The common mushroom is umbrella shaped, and the principal
parts are the stem and the cap, which has gills underneath. At first
these gills are white in color, a little later they are pink, and when
the mushroom becomes still older and is ripe, they are of a black-
ish color. This is due to the ripening of an immense number of
seeds or spores on the surface of the gills. It is supposed that
these seeds or spores of the mushroom, when growing in the fields,
are scattered by the wind or are distributed in other ways, and when
they fall in congenial places, they germinate and produce the spawn
which botanists have named mycelium. A person would naturally
suppose that we would be able to take the mushroom spores and
raise other mushrooms from it, but so far, no one has been able to
do this, though there has been a great deal of experimenting along
this line. Hut that the spawn is produced from the spores iii
Nature's way, however, is almost certain.

In the growing of mushrooms, the si)awn itself is cultured and
divided, and the new si>awn is grown from thc^ parent stock. The
spawn is the true musliroom plant, and what we call mushrooms is
the fruit. The spawn or mycelium has the appearance of a net-
work of delicate white threads which grow through the soil or
manure or the beds that have been prei>ared for it. Under fav-
orable circumstances, and having the right temperature, moisture,
and proper nourishment, the plant developes and in due course of
time produces fruit.

Cultured or made spawn is an article of commerce and is manu-
factured in large (juantities. That used in this country is made
mostly in England and conns in what are called bricks. These bricks
are about 0 inches long, 5 inches wide, I and | inches thick, and
weight about one pound. They are made of horse manure, cow
manure and soil mixed together. After the bricks are made into
shape, and are dried sulticiently, a small piece of spawn is placed in
the center of each and tln^ hole is closed up with a piece of the same
material of which the brick is made. A bed of horse manure is pre-
pared as for a hot bed. The bricks are piled upon it, but not too
closely, and are then covered up. The moisture and \wnt from the
manure will start the spawn to grow or run through the bricks.
AVhen this ])rocess has gone far enough, the bricks are allowed to
cool otT and dry. and further growth is stopix'd until they are to be
used for i>roducing a crop.

38

The manufacture cf spawn is regraded as a very particular busi-
ness requiring great skill and care. The French make and sell
what is called flake spawn but it is not much used in this country.
It is light, and comes in large strawy flakes. There is an American
spawn of very recent introduction which is now used to some extent.
It seems likely that it may come into general use as excellent re-
sults were obtained from it during the past season. This American
spawn is made by taking pieces of the mushroom itself for propa-
gating purposes, and it is claimed that the manufacturers can by
this method produce and propagate any i)articular strain and that
by selecting tine specimens for the purpose, they can make a spawn
that will produce mushrooms like the parent stock.

Virgin spawn is that which is obtained from the flleds or manure
heaps, and is supposed to come from the spores. It is more vigor-
ous than made spawn, and manufacturers endeavor to get it to use
in making the spawn which they sell.

Mushrooms grow in all temperate climates in the world but they
will not grow where it is either too cold or too hot. They may be
grown in houses built for their cultivation, in house cellars, barn
cellars, under the carnation benches in greenhouses, in caves or in
any other place where the temperature and moisture can be con-
trolled and kept about uniform and at the proper degree.

A common plan for houses is about as follows: 100 feet long, 18
feet wide and 0 feet to the eaves and with an even span roof. This
will allow three beds, 3 and ^ feet wide on each side, and four beds
7 feet wide in the center, and two alleys, 2 feet wide, to give room
for picking the crop, putting in the manure and taking it out, after
the cropping season is over. The entire bed surface of such a house
would be 4,000 sciuare feet, and would require about 100 tons of
manure costing |1.25 per ton exclusive of freight and 1,200 pounds
of spawn costing G cents a pound. Mushroom houses generally
have a cellar of 2 or 3 feet dug out, and the dirt is also banked up
around the house on the outside. This tends to make it easier to
keep as even temperature which is a very important consideration.
Horse manure from the cities is the kind generally used. It
should be free from any other matter and not too strawy. It is
put in ricks as hauled from the car and earth is mixed with it as it
is piled— usually in the proportion of about 5 cart-loads of earth
to 20 tons of manure. While the manure is in preparation, the rick
is turned at three or four different times until it is considered in
the proper condition. It is then put in the beds in the mushroom
house to the depth of about 8 inches and packcnl (luite Arm. The
temperature of the numure will rise to 100 degrees or more, but
will soon fall. Orowers usually spawn the beds when it has dropped
to about 90 degrees. The spawning process consists in cutting up
the bricks in about 8 pieces and putting them 2 inches deep in the
manure and 10 inches apart. In a week or 10 days the beds are
covered with about 1 and ^ inches of earth — rich sod — with the
heavier grassy parts of the sod thrown out is considered the best.
It should be inoderately moist, but not wet, and it should be made
firm. After this is done, a tempiM-ature of about GO degrees is de-
sirable.

The length of time until signs of mushrooms appear on the sur-
face varies, as they are sometimes much slower than others, but

,'»

39

usually, in about 5 or G weeks there will be an appearance like white
mold on the surface, and in a short time after this, the mushrooms
will appear. During the interval of time from spawning until the
crop comes, the anxious grower will be examining the beds to see
if the spawn is running freely and tilling the entire mass of manure
with a complete network of small white veins. If it is doing this, he
IS pleased with the prospect. At the joints in this network of spawn
or mycelium little rounded enlargements are formed. These are
called buttons, and as they grow and come up to the surface they are
supported by a stem. They very soon push up through the manure
and dirt and we have the mushroom. It seems quite a while after
the house is spawned until there is any crop, but when they once
get to coming through the soil, they develop very rapidlv. After
the mushroom house is producing, the temperature should be kept
as near 55 degrees as possible. A high temperature brings the crop
on too rapidly and exhausts the beds. The mushrooms will be
weak, of poor quality and will have objectionablv long stems.

Much care must be observed in the watering, 'it is the custom to
moisten the beds when the first signs of mushrooms appear and
afterwards whenever the soil shows signs of dryness. They should
never be flooded, simply enough water being applied to keep the
earth moist but not enough to get very dry before watering. Heavy
drenching is considered injurious to young mushrooms. Hence the
necessity of watering sparingly and often, but not more often than
necessary to maintain a moderate moistness in the soil.

After the cropping season begins the mushrooms develop very
rapidly and it is only a few days after they begin to come through
the ground until they are ready to pick. They must be gathered
every day. They must not be cut off", but pulled. In preparing them
for market, the roots are cut otf, and then they are firmly packed,
with the caps up, in four pound baskets made especially for the
purpose. Those grown in this section are sold mostly in New York
and Philadelphia markets. Prices vary in different years and at
different times in the year. i:arly in the fall they often bring as
much at 75 cents to ^\A){) a pound, and late in the spring, before
the weather gets hot, they will often bring the same price. But the
bulk of the crop, however, is gathered between these extreme sea-
sons, and brings to the grower prices varying from 25 to GO cents a
pound:

After the crop is over the houses are cleaned out. The refuse
makes a good top dressing for jiny soil. The houses should be
thoroughly purified and everything about the house should be white-
washed in order to destroy any objectionable fungi that may be
about the place, and which might make trouble in the next crop.

The growing of mushrooms has increased very much during the
last few years. Ten yeais ago there were perhajis not one-fourth as
many grown in this section as there are now, and then the price was
sometimes as low as 17 and 18 cents a pound. This shows there is
an increasing demand and that people are finding out that mush-
rooms are good to eat. Chester and Delaware counties are import-
ant factors in the supply of mushrooms to the eastern cities and
are no doubt the greatest mushroom producing sections in this coun-
try. There are several growers who use as much as 500 tons of

40

41

manure annually and others who use more than this. It is esti-
mated that there is used in the agj^a-egate as much as 10,000 tons
annually in these two counties.

There are a great many mushrooms grown in England, many more
there than here. The French have nmde a specialty of growing
them in what are called ''The Caves" at Paris. These underground
caves or tunnels are abandoned quarries from which building stones
have been taken. They are from 40 to 125 feet under ground and
vary in height and width according to the size of the vein of stone
quarried. A few of them are entered horizontally, but most of
them are entered from a perpendicular shaft at the top. Work-
men ascend and descend by means of a ladder. The manure is pre-
pared above ground and when ready to be used, it is thrown down
the hole. The refuse is taken up by means of a windlass.

Their methods are quite diil'erent from the English or American.
They make no beds like ours. The manure is made up in ridges.
There ridges are 18 inches wide at the bottom, (I inches wide at the
top and about 18 inches high. Alleys a foot wide are left between
the ridges. They are spawned and earthened much the same as the
Americans do, only they use the Hake spawn. They are considered
expert growers and many of them ar(? engaged extensively in the
business — some using as much as 8,000 tons of manure annually.
The mushrooms are sold at auction in Paris, but at a lowx'r price
than in this country. For a few years there seemed to be a desire
here to imitate the French in their methods, but about all have
abandoned them.

Thus far it would seem as if it was all smooth sailing for the
mushroom grower but such is not the case. In the early spring
maggots are likely to attack them, and they are liable to a disease
called black spot. They are also subject to slugs which eat holes
in them. Fogging off is a common trouble. It consists in the soft-
ening, shriveling and perishing of the young mushrooms, which
assume a brownish color. It is considered a root trouble and may
be produced by too much watering, a drip in the bed, disturbing the
mycelium when picking the mushrooms or any other cause that dis-
turbs the mycelium will cause the young mushrooms to fog off.

There is a great d("al of uncertainty connected with their produc-
tion. In fact, there seems to be no certainty. ]>eds spawned the
same day witli the same kind of spawn may give very different re-
sults. The beds may be alike in every particular and the grower will
not be able to tell why the one failed and the other was a success.
The learner is just about as likely to have a heavy crop as the vet-
eran of 20 years experience. An old barn cellar or house cellar, an
abandoned silo or ice-house may produce an exceptionally heavy
crop, while tln^ mushroom house, built after the most approved pat-
tern, may prove a complete failure. Indeed, there is so much un-
certainty, that old growers are cautious about giving advice, and
will say they know nothing about the growing of mushrooms. If
any one is fond of uncertainty, and wishes to engage in a first class
lottery, let him go into mushroom growing.

It is a general opinion that the cause of many failures is in the
spawn. It may be, that in its manufacture, it has been overheated,
or, on ship board it has possibly been too close to the boih'r, and
the moisture and heat have started it to grow, either of which would

f<

.<

damage it seriously. Perhaps we sometimes get old spawn, which
is considered very objectionable. It is very difficult to tell good
spawn — spawn that will produce desirable results with any degree
of certainty, and but few of the men who grow mushrooms are
able to separate the good from the bad. It seems that this should
centainly be a part of the business that every grower might under-
stand. The manure, spawn and labor are all expensive, and there
should be some security that the spawn is fresh and strong, and that
it only needs the warmth, moisture and plant food properly applied,
to reward the grower for his vigilance and labor.

ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THE FUMIGATION OF ALL
KINDS OF NURSERY STOCK LIA15LE TO INFESTATION BY
SAN JOSE SCALE.

Address by Prof. H. A. Surface, Economic Zoologist of Pennsylvania.

By fumigation we mean subjecting an object to exposure to
deadly fumes when confined within a closed space. The vital range
between a tree and an insect attacking the same is so wide that
the fumes may be made strong enough to kill the pest without in-
juring the tree or plant. It is found by many experiments that
fumigation is the only effective means of killing the San Jos<^ Scale
and certain other destructive pests when found upon nursery stock,
and thus preventing their spread to orchards in which this stock is
to be planted.

One may fumigate with carbon bisulphide^ or any other material
that will ]>roduce deadly fumes, but the best material that is now
known is hydrocyanic acid gas, generated by drop]ung cyanide of
potassium into sulphuric acid dilute with water. The requirements
in the State of Pennsvlvania, and in fact in most States of the
Union, are that the cyanide must be 08 per cent, pure, the sulphuric
acid must be 1.88 per cent, specific gravity, and the following amount
must be used for each one hundred cubic feet of enclosed space:

One oz. (by weight) of cyanide of potassium.

Two oz. (by measure) of sul])huric acid.

Four oz. of water.

The sulphuric acid is to be poured into the water in an earthen
or wooden vessel, and the cyanide is to be droj)ped in suddenly. Then
the operator must esca])e from the room just as quickly as ])ossible.
It is best to have the ])roj)er amounts computed according to the size
of the room, using the above formula for each one hundred cubic
feet, and have them weighed and measured, and the cyanide placed
in a small paper bag ready to drop in at once and permit the imme-
diate escape of the ojierator from the fumes, which are most deadly.

It has been found by actual exj)erimentation that ])rolonged ex-
posure of a low grade of material, or to fumes from a less quantity
of material, is more likely to injure the plants, without being so

42

43

sure of killinj!; the scale, as is exposure to the fumes of a sufficient
amount for a shorter time. That is to say, short exposure (about
forty minutes) witli the above formula is proven to be more in-
jurious to the insects and less injurious to the plants, than longer
exposure with less material, or with weaker material.

It is necessary (1) that the cubic contents of the room be accu-
rately determined; (2) that the room be air-tight or gas-tight; (3)
that the cyanide of potassium be J)8 per cent, pure; (4) that the sul-
phuric acid be as strong as 1,83 per cent.; (5) that a sufficient amount
be used to preserve this formula according to each one hundred
cubic feet of space (G) that the fumigating house be not over
packed with tightly crowded plants; (7) that the plants be not wet
during the time of fumigation; (8) that the fumigation continue for
at least forty minutes; (D) that the gas be administered from below
rather than from above; (10) that the fumigating house be air-tight
and kept tightly closed during the entire period of fumigation, and
(11) that the plants be practically dormant. It also is important
that the room be so constructed that it can be (luickly ventilated
after fumigation is finished, and that this ventilation be done
rapidly, according to directions. If the trees be covered with mud
or be encased in any covering that the gas does not readily pene-
trate, those scales tliat are covered will not be killed. If the roots
of the trees be packed in damp moss or other material at the time
of fumigation, there is especial danger of injury to them.

With these facts in mind, let us first say why all nursery stock in
this State of kinds not liable to attack by the San Josd Scale should
be fumigated before being sold, shipped or transplanted. It should
be said that by the expression of "kinds not liable to infestation by
the San Jos6 Scale" we mean conifers, strawberry plants, bulbs and
tubers, herbaceous perennials and bedding plants.

1. It is acknowledged by all practical entomologists who have
made a careful study and proper tests in this subject that fumiga-
tion is effective in killing the scale when properly done. Much of
importance depends upon the expression "when properly done."

2. Fumigation does not injure any kind of nursery stock that is
attacked by the San Jos(5 Scale, when properly fumigated. In the
early fall and late spring while the trees are not dormant there may
be slight injury, but this proven to be insignificant. A fruit grower
and nurserymen in this State recently told the writer that he had
fumigated apple trees in the spring after they had started to grow
and when the new shoots were from three to six inches long. He
used the above formula and transplanted the trees in his own or-
chard. The growth was not checked, the trees were' not injured,
and the scales were killed.

3. Another argument for fumigation is that it prevents the dis-
semination of scale insects and many other pests from any and all
nurseries, whether the inspector has found it in them or not. No
inspector can possibly find all the scale insects in any nursery or all
of the trees that have only a few of these pests upon them, but the
gas when properly applied can find nearly if not quite all.

4. Many States are requiring fumigation of all nursery stock.
No le&s fhan eight states have this requirement. We should not
require it for our State merely liecause others do the same, but the

9\

best fruit-growing states of America and also Canada would not
require universal fumigation if the experts and scientific persons in
those States did not find it best.

5. No other treatment of any nursery stock which is suspected
of being infested is known to be as effective in killing the scale or
as safe to the trees. Since this is true, fumigation — the best
method — should be ours.

6. A further and very strong argument for fumigation of all
nursery stock, especially of all fruit trees, is that the fruit growers
want it. They find that the pest is carried into their regions upon
nursery stock that has not been properly treated, and generally not
treated at all. It is very important that its dissemination by this
means be entirely checked. The best authorities in our country
have nothing better to offer than universal fumigation.

[ Arguments Against Fumigation.

With this, as with every question, that are two sides. lA»t us try
to take as honest a view of the opposing side as we have taken of
that just discussed. For certain reasons the nurserymen are justi-
fied in opposing fumigation as performed by many persons.

1. Fumigation may not be effective. If it be not effective, why
should we require it? It will be ineffective when any one or more
of the conditions named in the early part of this article are missing
or improper. By "ineffective" we mean that the scale will not be
killed. When fumigated for too short time, or by poor material,
or when the trees are so wet that they are covered by a film of water,
when the house is poorly constructed and leaks gas, when over-
packed, when insufficient material is used, etc., the scale will not be
killed and the expense and time and trouble of fumigation will be
for nothing.

2. Fumigation may be made to injure plants, and it does injure
them when improperly done. This may come from too long expos-
ure, using too much material, fumigating plants when not in dor-
mant condition, fumigating them when the roots are packed in damp
packing material, fumigating them in a room that is not adapted
to ventiation, for example, a box car, fumigating at a very high
temperature or while the room is very warm, and also fumigating
varieties such as conifers and greenhouse i)lants that are too deli-
cate to stand full strength. It should be said that the latter may
be fumigated when necessary by reducing the strength, as should
be done for peach when quite dormant or the wood is not hardened.
All fruit trees when dormant will stand much more than the formula
above indicated.

3. Fumigation is troublesome and exi)ensive to nurserymen.
When a large firm is rushing its orders in the spring, it is as busy as
any extensive farmer at haymaking time, especially if there should
be prolonged rains at this time, it would be quite a hindrance to
their work to impose the necessit}' of fumigation. The only thing
for them to do would be to permit each load of trees to stand under
shelter until the bark is dry. Standing over night should be suffi-
cient fo^ them to dr;^ enough to fumigate in the morning.

44

4 FumiL'atioii demauds th(3 attontion of a very careful and relia-
ble* man duriii},' the -harvest" season when the nnrsei^men are
busiest, and to make sueh demand upon nurserymen must have most

serious iustitieation. . i i .+

5 Some nurseries are not in the infested reji;ions and do not
have San Josd Scale. It is a question if nurseries that are known
to be clean should be <omi>elled to fumigate. On the other luind
scale has been spread on stock that was thought to be clean, ihis
is a common case of putting similar requirements on all persons
in order to permit no guilty one to escape.

6 Some nurservmen do not want fumigation. They have as much
liberty to say that thev do not want fumigation as the fruit grow-
ers have to sav thev want it done. ^Vhether they have as much jus-
tice in this statement depends upon <onditions. If a man thinks
he has no San Josc^ Scale and should not fumigate he may dissem-
inate it but if he knows he has nt)ne, no good will be done by the tu-
migation, and vet when properly done no harm will come from it

On the whole, our observations, studies and experience lead us
to say that universal fumigation is the only safeguard for fruit
growers.

■'^''j""''"'^^''- Afternoon So««iou.

I

Before taking up the regular programme the following was otfered
bv rrof. Watts.
' Resolved, That the Tennsylvania State Horticultural Association
hereby records its appreciation of the recognition accorded to the
grl^ltural and horticultural interests of the State by the as
i^^gislature in thc^ appropriation of ^l()0,()(K) to/><"^"| j^j ^^-^^
at the Pennsvlvania State College of an i^^'i'i^ltj^'l^l ^^^^^^^"^^ with
the proviso that the totat cost shall not exceed f 2oO,000.

Uesolved That we request and urge the coming Legislature to
provide for' the immediate comph'tion of the building by the appro^
priation of the remaining |15(),00(), in order that all braiu-hes of
agricultural education at the State College may be as well housed
as is the dairv work in the portion of the building now completed

Resolved, that this organization appreciates the work done for
agricultural education in the past under very unfavorable condi-
?k,ns bv the Pennsvlvania State College and that it requests from
the next Legislatur'e a liberal appropriation for the maintenance of
the various agricultural courses, in order that the e«iuipment already
provided mav be utilized to the fullest possible extent.

Resolved That in view of the importance of scientific investiga-
tion to the'development of the horticultural interests of the State,
and of t (- fact that in the past scarcely any State aid has been
friven to the Agricultural Experiment Station, the Ilorticultural
Association is heartily in favor of a liberal appropriation by the
State for tin' maintenance and enlargement of the current work of
the Station, particularly along the line of a study of the inscM-t and
fungous enemies of the horticulturist. , , , f .u,,«,.

Resolved That the secretarv be instructed to send a copy of these
refolut oils to the secretary 'of the Allied Agricultural Organiza-
tions and that the Legislative (V)mmittee be instructed to co-oper-
ate with that organization in securing the desired legislation.

46

MR. HIESTER.— As a trustee of the College and Station, I would
like to make a brief explanation. The last Legislature made an
appropriation of $100,000 for an agricultural building, but has made
no provision for maintenance. Money must also be provided for
Dean's salary and a residence for him, and nothing has been pro-
vided for horticulture. I hope every member of this association
will use his influence to obtain some recognition for horticulture in
addition to agriculture.

On motion resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Report of Committee on Legislation.

The following was submitted by Mr. Hiester.

Section 1. We would recommend a modification of the nursery
inspection act to make it include private premises, and inspection
for San Jos^ Scale and other pests and diseases in orchards and on
public and private grounds. This would be done by the Secretary
of Agriculture through the Economic Zoologist by such means as
shall be considered most effective in bringing about the desired
results, and would recommend an appropriation of $30,000 annually
for carrying out this work.

MR. STOUT. — This is an important section and should be con-
sidered very carefully. Whether this work should be undertaken
by the State is a problem. The San Jos6 Scale is a very diflScult in-
sect to control.

MR. HIESTER. — The Nurserymen's Association which has re-
cently held a meeting in this city, has considered this question very
carefully. They are required to keep their nurseries free from San
Josd Scale, and think that fruit grower's should do the same, so
long as premises in proximity to the nurseries are infested their
efforts 1p keep nursery stock clean, are in a measure futile. We
believe it is to the interest of all to try to suppress the scale for the
public good.

MR. CHASE. — As I understand it, it makes it the duty of the
State to protect the citizen against his careless neighbor.

The section was adopted as read.

Section 2. "We also recommend the establishment of a Divisimi
of Horticulture in the Department of Agriculture, to be adminis-
tered by a Commissioner, who shall be a practical horticulturist of
experience, and who shall be assisted by a clerk and stenographer,
and would recommend an appropriation by the Legislature of |10,-
000 annually, or so much as may be necessary for payment of sal-
aries and other expenses of this Department.

PROF. BUTZ — A bill of this tenor was passed by the last Legis-
lature and vetoed by the Oovernor on account of some defect or
technicality.

On motion the section was approved.

The following paper was read by John G. Rush, West Willow, Pa.:

THE PERSIAN WALNUT.

It is not my purpose at this time to give you a lengthy and de-
scriptive history of the Persian Walnut from its early introduction

46

into this country, but to be as brief and practical as possible. It
is a well-known fact that it is grown in almost every State in the
Union. It is also well for us to know in which of the States it
finds a natural adaption to its best development.

The Black Walnut is a good leader where it succeeds and the Per-
sian AValnut is a close follower, as it belongs to the same genus. I
do not know anywhere on the Atlantic coast, or in the interior,
that the Persian Walnut is grown for commercial purposes, but
on the Pacific coast they are grown very extensively and find a
ready market in the Atlantic coast cities.

It is not altogether just that California and some foreign coun-
tries should have the exclusive privilege to this market, when it is
possible that the Persian Walnut can be as successfully grown here
as elsewhere. Now right hear who is to blame? Adam, speak out,
as you did once before, well, the blame is right here, and let him
whom it hits take it.

Up to this time all Persian W^alnut trees have been sold by nur-
serymen as seedlings, and as a result we have a conglomeration of
all types and shades of Persians. The Persian Walnut may be
successfully grown in sections where no other trees grow of the
same genus, otherwise you are bound to have a mixture which is
very annoying to the nut grower.

I do not wish to be understood that grafting alone will remedy
the trouble that I see at home, in my own village, where the
Persian has been v.ery successfully grafted on the Black Walnut.
If proper selection of the variety or kinds had been made, one might
be proud of the result, but the grafted tree is no better than the
seedling.

There are some very good seedling Persians, but they are few
and far between. I have in my yard on the farm a Persian than
which I saw nothing more productive last summer when on a visit
to Santa Barbara, Cal. At ten years of age I had two bushels and
increased to three "bushels last fall. I have another tree the same
age only 40 feet away, that had about three quarts. Such examples
as this makes one think of the subject of Nature Study.

As I had access to these trees I watched closely to see why the
difference in productiveness. The three quart tree had a profusion
of staminate bloom, but dropped too soon to fertilize the pistilates,
hence the failure. The three bushel tree is a little later in bloom,
but both staminate and pistalate developed together until well fer-
tilized, showing there is a mechanical difference in trees and plants
as well as in the animal kingdom.

Now the question arose in my mind, have I the only "pebble on
the beach?" So I made it my special object to go in search of pro-
lific Persians. I drove eastward about twenty miles in a very popu-
lous section of Lancaster county, and found nothing worthy of men-
tion, but a few mongrels. A few days afterwards I took a western
drive in the neighborhood of the former Conestoga nurseries, feel-
ing sure, that our departed friend, Caspar Hiller might have a Per-
sian to his memory. I found two large trees here, but not prolific
enough to be any value. I stated at this place the object of my pur-
suit. I was directed about one-fourth mile farther westward to
a somewhat secluded place, where I found two large trees that
were as prolific as my own. I still continued my search for more

47

Persians and at last I came upon another tree that was a perfect
beauty for productiveness. Having a long and intimate acquain-
tance with the owner I asked the question, why this tree so prolific
and the other three trees so shy? As no reason could be given, the
verdict was "only by chance." With this investigation I found that
only about four per cent, of all the Persian Walnut trees I saw are
worthy of propagation.

Several years ago I tried to raise seedlings from my trees, but dis-
covered very soon in the early life of these young trees that they
were tainted with foreign blood. The leaves of these little Persians
were serrated or tooth edged, and were nine and eleven in number,
and on rubbing the leaves in my hand they would throw off a ^lack
Walnut odor, whereas the parent shows five and seven leaflets with
a smooth edge and on rubbing through the hand would transmit a ,
very sweet oder, so by propagating with seed we only perpetuate the
specie and not the variety. The only remedy then, is to resort to
grafting or breeding of prolific trees to insure success.

The art of grafting and budding the Persian Walnut in this lo-
cality is somewhat unknown to our enterprising propagaters. It
is, however, very successfully performed in other localities where
special efforts are made in that direction.

In 1895 I bought a small order of trees from New Jersey, among
them were three Japan Walnut and one Persian, the variety cata-
logued as the Kahasi, noted for its early and prolific bearing. Last
summer I found to my surprise this Kahasi well loaded with pistel-
late bloom sparkling in the sunlight like diamonds, and no stamin-
ate in sight, so of course something had to be done to assist the tree
to develop its fruit. I went on my farm not far away and got about
a dozen and a half of good staminate twigs, and put them in a dozen
bottles with water in order to keep fresh. These bottles were then
hung promiscously over the tree in order that the pollen might have
free access to the proper fertiliza^tion of the pistilates. Now the
result; last fall 1 managed to harvest 200 well developed meaty nuts
for the little assistance rendered in Nature Study.

When the United States Department of Agriculture introduced
nut culture in the United States no mention was made of the Per-
sian Walnut on the Atlantic coast, all information on the subject
having came from the Pacific coast. If we exert ourselves as they
do, I am sure we can attain the same results, and have the benefits
of the Atlantic coast market with very little expense. I look upon
the introduction of the Japan Walnut the next thing to insult. As
soon as I had the first fruit, I introduced the American axe (not
the missionary) to its roots and converted thehi to fire wood. Even
our American Butternut is far superior and the Black Walnut still
more so. The Persian W^alnut tree is very beautiful with its clean
white bark, shaded with green, glassy leaves during summer time,
and when autumn approaches it is a pleasure to see the hull crack-
ing open showing what is inside, smiling all the while until gather-
ing time. Believe me, there is nothing that I delight more than to
shake a well filled Persian of its nuts, and how they rattle through
the limbs and leaves, roll and tumble over the green sod in merry
laughter, waiting to be gathered by the husbandman for future use.
The tree is proof against many ailments, such as borers, yellows,

48

blight, caterpillars and San Jos^ Scale. The nut is also proof
against the pernicious Chestnut Weevil, and can be used in various
ways in the household for daily food or luxury.

It can be kept for tvs^o years without any injury to its good quali-
ties with proper carg^and attention in storage.

The pleasure I have derived from this experimental work I feel
myself compensated with the close communion I had with natures
handiwork, and feel to continue in its further researches to greater
developments. I also keep in connection an exhibition on back
porch, a table well tilled with all kinds of native nuts and how they
grow, for the benefit of school children, friends and neighbors, and
above all myself.

In the last fiscal year Grenoble shipped to this country |450,320
, worth of walnuts. This should not be the case. We should raiie
our own walnuts, both for the goodness of the fruit and the value
of the wood. Practically, the land over, the wild walnut tree has
disappeared, and yet, with the demonstrated profit there is in the
tree, people connot be induced to plant it. It may be it is a slow
grower, but every generation should think of its successors and
plant for them.

MR. STOUT. — Some twenty years ago I planted some English
Walnuts, and they have frozen back every winter. They are only
8 or 10 feet higli at this time and have never borne any nuts.

MR. CHASE. — In Burlington County, N. J., they are able to grow
them. Soflje varieties are more hardv and prolific than others.

MR. RAKESTRAW.— I think the hardiness of the English Wal-
nut depends largely upon elevation. On low lands they are liable
to injury, and on elevated lands they are seldom injured at all.

MR. RUSH. — This may be owing more to variety than locality.

The following paper was read by Mr. Wm. F. McSparran, Fur-
niss. Pa.

THE CONSERVATION OF MOISTURE IN THE ORCHARD.

The best method of conserving soil moisture must remain largely
theoretical for there are so many circumstances of soil and other
conditions that no rule may be laid down as the best for all to fol-
low. •

The orchardist as well as the general farmer, if he stops to think
about the matter, must realize^ the prime importance of soil mois-
ture in the growth of any of our farm crops. But it is no uncom-
mon observation of the student of agricultural economy that in a
great many very important things the common run of farmers do
not stop to think at all. This remark of course does not apply
with any particular force to such past-masters of soil tillage as I
have the pleasure of here addressing, and I trust I may be pardoned
for here turning aside to say that it is very common in agricultural
teaching that it is the fellow who does not need it instead of the
multitude that does need it, who gets it.

49

We, therefore, all know of the importance of soil-moisture to
the horticulturist, but I am not so sure that we are all so fully
cognizant of the great necessity of our using every reasonable means
for holding in the soil, conserving the earth supply of moisture, so
it may to the utmost be used by our growing crops in garden, field
and orchard. I will doubtless be held as radical in making the
statement that our crops, and those of the orchard especially, are
almost entirely dependent upon the supply of stored soil-moisture,
and not upon that gathered from the rain fall during the season of
the crop's growing.

If I am correct in this claim the importance of the most careful
conservation of the moisture supply is paramount. If I am only
half right and the good crop's success depends upon the current
rains partly and partly upon the earth supply, the importance of
the latter is not lessened in its relation to this crop. It is obvious
the orchard must have the earth moisture to draw ui>on. It is as
plain that without the intervening care of the orchardist the at-
mosphere draws upon this moisture to the loss of the crop and its
owner; hence we come to say how shall we best conserve the soil
supply so it be not wasted into the thirsty atmosphere?

The first theory was that we shall arrest the loss by creating a
non-conducting object between the moisture and the air. We
should mulch. We should break the connection between the two
and allow the moisture to only reach the atmosphere through the
organisms of our growing crops or trees. We find this can be very
effectually done by frequent cultivation of the soil and men have
come to talk wisely and some of them incessantly of the "dust
mulch."

But the time has come when other men are to be found who ques-
tion the wisdom or at least the economy of the '^dust mulch," for
the young growing, unshading orchard. \\'e have discovered the
soil bacterium and the more we study and learn about him the
more we* are inclined to modify many old ideas that were one time
good enough. It appears now to be well established that our soil
fertility largely depends upon the bacterial occupancy of it. The
wise soil worker, therefore, if that be true, will use every economical
means to maintain in his land conditions favorable to the existence
and multiplication of these now-found friendly organisms; and it
has become a matter of considerable doubt whether we are encourag-
ing them when we are subjecting our unoccupied, unshaded soil to
the frequent stirrings necessary to keep an effective dust mulch
through the long season of the summer heat.

This is not intended as an argument that we shall stop the culti*
vated and allow the crust to form on the surface of the bare ground,
for fear we unsettled the operations of the bacteria. By no means.
The dust mulch saves more in its moisture conservation than is lost
from its bacterial disturbance; but the better plan seems to be to
have the ground occupied by some crop that shall at once serve al-
most all the good offices of a mulch, create favorable conditions for
soil bacteria, and as an incident and consequence of its growth
really add to the sum of the land's fertility. It is true that these
crops use moisture in proportion to the success of their growth,
but no maker of figures has yet come forward to tell us how much

50

61

^

more moisture thev use than is wasted from bare land even when
covered by the most orthodox dust mulch. The latter cannot pos-
sibly add 'anything to the fertility store of the land, it can only ar-
rest the action of capillarity; the former can do as much while fur-
ther enriching the soil actively and potentially and contributing that
quality of humus to the land, so more moisture will be absorbed and
held for plant use.

It is true that in the discussion of such a topic as this we cannot
get bevond the realm of theory and speculation, for climatic and
soil conditions are as changeable and variable as orchards and
fields are numerous; but it is my deliberate opinion that the most
logical methods of conserving moisture for the orchad, is by the
agency of a growing crop, to be finally worked into the soil.

MR. HIESTER.— What shall I sow in stony mountain land in
order to get more humus into the soil?

MR. McHPARRAN.— I would first try to ascertain whether the
soil needs phosphoric acid and potash. If deficient in these mineral
elements I would sujjply them and sow about a bushel of cow peas
per acre. If the ground were not reasonably fertile I would experi-
ment at least wRh artificial bacterial inoculation.

The peas should not be sown until the ground is warm— say the
latter part of Mav or early June. In the fall this crop should be
plowed under or disked into the soil and the land sown to sand vetch
and rye to, In turn, be plowed under the following spring.

Collecting a large amount of humus on stony, hilly or mountain-
ous land is a difficult matter and I think on such land devoted to
fruit culture, my prescription might profitably be continued in use
indefinitely.

DR. MAYER.— What variety of peas would you plant?

MR. McSPARRAN.— Any of the ordinary vining kinds. There
are endless names for them'. The whip-poor-will is usually an erect
grower, but makes a heavy growth. New Era and Red Ripper are
good trailing kinds. I have had good crops from sowing mixed
varieties the seed of which can usually be bought somewhat
cheaper than pure seed. Unless bacteria are present in the soil arti-
ficial inoculation is desirable, as only by these agents it is supposed
legumes can get, use, and store atmospheric nitrogen.

Mr. Peters of special-committee on new fruits on exhibition sub-
mitted the following:

Mr. President: The Committee on New Fruits reports as follows:

There were ^1 plates of new fruits, consisting of apples in the
main; of these ^ plates, we found 11 plates to be varieties of known
names, which probably were not known in the community in which
they were raised, and we have placed the names on the card on each

plate. . ^, .

We found no new fruits that were of special merit, or worthy of
mention, when com])ared with the vast number of excellent varie-
ties we have at this time. One jar of plums, however, exceeded any-
thing else we have seen in canned ])lums; it is a native gage of
medium size, and of most delicious flavor; having retained almost
all its sweetness, although canned with the pits in the fruit.

If in order, we would recommend that in future exhibits of new
fruits, 5 specimens of the same kind be i)laced on every plate, and
that these specimens be nearly perfect.

Respectfully submitted bv your committee.

EARL PETERS,
JOHN F. BOYER,
R. L. MARLATT,

Committee.
The chair announced that owing to business engagement at the
Executive Chamber, Governor Pennypacker would be unable to be
present at our meeting.

Mr. Black (New Jersey), expressed his pleasure and gratification
in being able to attend our meeting, and extended a cordial invita-
tion to the Society to send delegates to their next annual meeting.
Every courtesy would be extended by their Society. He expressed
the hope also that a fraternal* spirit be perpetuated between our
or ganizations.

Mr. Reid (New Jersey), cordially endorsed the remarks of his fel-
low delegate, and hoped to have the pleasure of meeting with us
again.

MR. CHASE. — I will be glad to refer this matter to the new Presi-
dent, Mr. Hiester, and hope that in the future this association will
not only have closer and more cordial fraternial relations with the
New Jersey Society, but will send delegates as requested.

QUESTION BOX.

(1) Is refuse chloride of lime from dyeing establishments of
value as plant food?

DR. MAYER. — I would consider it injurious to the soil owing to
the amount of chlorine present.

(2) Should the robin be protected?

MR. SNAVELY. — I do not believe in eradicating the robin, though
I am satisfied he is doing more mischief than any other agency in dis-
seminating San Jos^ Scale. He also destroys fruit, but I do not
condemn him on that account. When too numerous he is a nui-
sance and should be held in check.

MR. BLACK, (N. J.) — For years I was a friend of the robin, but I
am his enemy now. Much that has been said and written about him
is sentiment, and not warranted by facts. In New Jersey he lives
on our fruit, sometimes destroying it entirely. He may do better
elsewhere, but with us he does far more harm than good.

MR. SNAVELY.— What is the legal status of the robin?

PROF. SURFACE. — According to our law any bird or animal may
be killed by the owner of the farm or premises, when found destroy-
ing fruit or other property. Birds in the act of destroying fruit
on trees or berry fields may be shot by the owner of the premises,
just as deer may be killed when destroying field crops. If properly
provided for the robin will not destroy berries or choice fruit. If
they have access to mulberries they will eat them to the exclusion
of other berries. I know several persons who have taken this course
with satisfactory results.

DR. MAYER. — I have had considerable experience with the robin,
and like my friend from New Jersey, was his friend for years. As
a fruit grower, I consider him a nuisance. Have found that planting
mulberries to kecD him awav from other fruit is a humi

52

MR BLACK.— I do not like to disagree with a Professor, all
throuL'h life 1 have been a friend of birds, but my experience is not.
the same as Mr. Powell's, the party referred to by Prof, ^"^'faecs my
experience is that the robin will not eat mulberries or sma 1 fiuit
when larp'r can be had. New Jersey robins never eat small cher-
ries when thev can jjjet Black Tartarians.

MR. HNAVELY.— I fully agree with my friend from New Jersey.
On mv premises robins always prefer the best . , . .

PROF SURFACE.— On State College campus we have robins by
the hundred, just across the way is my strawberry patch, and I have
never lost anv berries by robins, when able to get other fruit.

The following was ottered by Mr. Peters and adopted.

Resolved, That the State Horticultural Association of 1 t*nnsyl-
vania in annual convention assembled, recomnuaids to the State
Legislature now in session, that all lands adjacent to any nursei-v m
the State shall be inspected for a distance of one mile surrounding
such nursery, and furthermore, .. ^+ tt.«

Resolved, That anv and all nursery stock shipped, subject to San
Jos^' Scale, shall be thoroughly fumigated with hydrocyanic acid

gas before it is shipped. . i ^ +^/i.

The following was ottered by Mr. Moon, and unanimously adopted.

''This committee reports that the State Horticultural Association
is again called upon to record the loss of members by death.

AVe have been informed of the death of two of our members, viz:
Daniel Sinevch, of Lancaster, Pa., which occurred April 5, 1004, at
the advanced age of 76 vears. He was one of Lancasters well-
known citizens who for many years was an attendant at our annual
meetings, especiallv when held in his home city. He was an occas-
sional exhibitor of his choice fruits, and although but seldom tak-
ing part in the discussions, he was an interested listener, and a
loval member of this association.

The death of Joseph W. Thomas, of King of Prussia, Montgomery
countv removes from our midst one of our oldest and most useful
members. We believe he was one of the organizers of this asso-
ciation. He was one of our most active and practical members. Of
a kind and gcMiial temperament, he had a warm welcome for all at
our annual assemblies. He was one of the leading nurserymen of
the State as well as one of the best informed horticulturists, and
most successful fruit growers. He was always willing to contri-
bute his share to inform and instruct those less fortunate m knowl-
edge and experience. T'ntil within a few years he was a regular at-
tendant at our meetings.

We cannot but feel that we have lost a personal friend. His
death, which has removed from our midst one of our ablest and best
informed members occurred September 1!), 11)04, in the 78d year of

his age.

Signed

J. MORRIS JONES,

WM. H. MOON,
JAS. KREWSON.
Mr. Chase, the retiring President, thanked the members of the
association for their uniform kindness and courtesy during his in-
cumbency, and declared the association adjourned.

END OF YEAR